My paddle's leather is curving, would appreciate your input !

Hi Gents,

Since a few months ago, my paddle has been showing some signs of curving on the green side. It's not easy to see the curve in the pictures (click to enlarge) :

Attachment 222971

http://s20.postimage.org/okfjytsjd/IMG_4675.jpg http://s20.postimage.org/nw6pfvttl/IMG_4674.jpg http://s20.postimage.org/xi09w6kzd/IMG_4670.jpg

http://s20.postimage.org/4gvxms0jd/IMG_4672.jpg http://s20.postimage.org/cnnxecqm1/IMG_4673.jpg http://s20.postimage.org/khoizqyex/IMG_4671.jpg


But we can see that the edges are darker than the middle, signs that the edges are more working than the center. Would you happen to know what caused this ? Is it bad ? How can I make it straight again ? Will it affect the stropping ?

Thank you for your help, ideas, input, comments, hints... Have a nice day !

I pulled my paddle strop out today for the first time in a few weeks (been using the hanging exclusively) and noticed the same thing! Stropping did not feel the same, the middle of the blade was not making contact. I put the strop under some heavy books, hopefully that will flatten it out! I am wondering if it was caused by the temperature change or maybe lack of humidity this time of year??

Treat it evenly with lard ("the yellow paste"), keep it loose a couple days and re-stretch it. Must resolve. Fringes dry out faster than the middle.