My first attempt at making a strop

Well I eventually got round to making my first strop. For the canvas side I used artists cotton duck canvas I folded in in half length ways and used bondaweb to glue it together it appears to have a very good hold but only time will tell. this first one has been a steep learning curve as I've discovered that it is way easier to use Chicago screws than to stitch leather but I'm still planning to have a go at that when I get better hole punches. My only strop before this one is a 2" one and for me this 3" x 21" one is way better much much easier but I'm pleased I learned to strop on the smaller one first. On first impressions it is working great I've stropped 3 razors today and it is working great. I've got more leather on its way so I'm going to have a go at a few more so I can have a bit more practice and hopefully get better results.

http://i.imgur.com/DBWdcDF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6Lc1YQF.jpg

I like the elegant simplistic design. Well done.

Welcome aboard & that's a fine looking strop,,,,:tu

Looks like your off to a good start. Keep the versions coming, and don't forget to share.

Looks great.

I would recommend an edge beveling tool for the leather.:tu

Nice work mate
And welcome to SRP

Or burnish the edge. Looks fantastic.

Looks just fine to me, well done. Congrats and welcome to the forum.

Bob

Thanks for the kind comments everyone I've been lurking for so long I didn't realise that was my first post. I got an edge bevel tool from work today so I think I'll give that a go to finish it off. Also ordered some 2" leather so I can have bit of practice with that and keep my 3" for when I'm a bit better, also I can buy 2 inch canvas webbing in the UK easier than 3" so that will make the process even easier.

Looks good, the main belt to carry out its task.

Very nice! If you get a edger to cut the corners of the edge of the leather, take some of that duck cloth, and get it wet. Rub it back and fourth along the edge quickly and you will smooth and burnish the edge nicely. As far as stitching, a punch will get you quick even results, but if you want the thread to sit below the surface of the leather, you will need a stich groover, overstitch awl and a diamond shaped awl. Once you have the tools, its not that hard to do.

How do you think the canvas will hold up to use?

Canvas, holds up very well, you don’t even need to fold over and glue the edges, though OP’s looks very finished.

You can just cut canvas to width and use as is. It will fray a bit, just don’t pull on the threads, cut with a sharp scissor, will last a lifetime.

Canvas is great for paste, the finer the weave the better.

It is a very nice, professional looking strop, great work and attention to detail.

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Originally Posted by Drygulch

Very nice! If you get a edger to cut the corners of the edge of the leather, take some of that duck cloth, and get it wet. Rub it back and fourth along the edge quickly and you will smooth and burnish the edge nicely. As far as stitching, a punch will get you quick even results, but if you want the thread to sit below the surface of the leather, you will need a stich groover, overstitch awl and a diamond shaped awl. Once you have the tools, its not that hard to do.

How do you think the canvas will hold up to use?

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Thanks for the advice I'll give burnishing a go this weekend when I've got a bit of spare time and I'm attempting to make another strop.

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Originally Posted by Euclid440

Canvas, holds up very well, you don’t even need to fold over and glue the edges, though OP’s looks very finished.

You can just cut canvas to width and use as is. It will fray a bit, just don’t pull on the threads, cut with a sharp scissor, will last a lifetime.

Canvas is great for paste, the finer the weave the better.

It is a very nice, professional looking strop, great work and attention to detail.

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Thanks for the advice I think I'll try as you suggest just cutting the canvas to see how it holds out I was thinking of doing a double canvas only strop for some chromium oxide and diamond spray so may as well experiment .

Welcome to the forum stormcrowuk. That's a good looking first strop. Good effort! What leather have you used?

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Originally Posted by wayne394

Welcome to the forum stormcrowuk. That's a good looking first strop. Good effort! What leather have you used?

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Thanks Wayne I bought it from ebay its Veg Tanned Bridle 3.8mm thick 3" wide.
I've since then bought some 3" Hemp webbing which arrived today it looks to my uneducated eye to be suitable so I''l be giving that a go soon.

http://i.imgur.com/0f1UqdZ.jpg

Looks quite functional, well done! :chapeau