Thread: 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) :








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.