Thread: Making my own strop, need advice.

Hi guys, I want to make my own strop but don't know where to start. where can i find a faithful supplier. I live in NoVA if it means anything.

Originally Posted by mistaoso

Hi guys, I want to make my own strop but don't know where to start. where can i find a faithful supplier. I live in NoVA if it means anything.

This will give you a very good idea of how it's done or at least how it can be done;

Making a (very) home-made strop - Straight Razor Place Library

Tandy Leather is one option for supplies/local leather shops/saddle shops etc may be of some help.

yea I read that over. That's where I got the idea. But what type of leather cut should I use?

The main types of leather people use are cow and horse. I think any good piece of leather will work fine.

James

Originally Posted by mistaoso

yea I read that over. That's where I got the idea. But what type of leather cut should I use?

I agree with Jimbo.

Alright, I think I might be over thinking this. I just want to make it purdy. what thickness should it be?

Again, that's a personal choice but certain leather cones in certain thicknesses. Best to look at the shop stock.

In that tutorial I used kangaroo, which is very thin (1-2mm). That works because kangaroo is very strong, weight for weight. You definitely don't want (and probably couldn't find) cow or horse that thin.

You don't want it so thick it's like a board either. Think "supple". You also need to be able to work it with the tools you have. Cutting a thick bit of leather probably won't work out well with a Stanley knife. Also the rivets will need to match the thickness of course.

Talk to the leather vendor about it, I'm sure they'll give you good advice.

James.

i've use 1/8 inch or 7-8 oz. leather, as long as it's smooth an flexible. Stecksstore or Tandy is a good place for hardware. i used chicago screws to put it together so the leather can be replaced as needed. i don't like getting leather on line because i can't see and feel it. here is one i made ( minus the strop part). a bent nail for a hanger/stiffner. the handle is optional. you can get ideas from other makers.

I have used Jimbo's guide and found it easy to follow. I used Chicago screws which wad good as I slashed the first bit of leather. Make sure to either personally inspect the leather or get a piece without blemishes wrinkles etc. There are many different bits of hardware you can get that can make it easier to make. Good luck and let us know how you go

Springfield Leather will sell smaller pieces of leather than Tandy, and will cut it for you. They offer all of the Tandy stuff as well.