Thread: Hemp Fabric

seems i read something about hemp webbing needing some extra preparation to soften it (or maybe it was to make it less abrasive) enough to be useful for a strop. Couldn't find the article though. At one time i looked into it but the only supplier i could find wanted a unreasonable amount of shipping so I gave up on it. Would be interesting to find out how it works though.

There are quite a few different types of hemp webbing, you would want a close knit weave. I've got some flax linen that was too abrasive. Threw it in the wash, quick iron flat and it is now one of my favourite linen strops.

You could always try it. If it doesn't work out as a strop you could smoke it.

I have a couple of hemp strops. They are great. On par with flax linen for sure.

I like the idea, and it sounds like it works well.

The timing of this thread is perfect. My current paddle strop was my first for razors and is a little nicked up - still works good, just a little ugly. I've been thinking of making a new one with horsehide but wasn't sure what to use for the fabric side (I have plain canvas on my current version).

I just found this place and have e-mailed them to find out what the difference is between the canvas and suprema canvas weaves. The herringbone weave might also be nice.

https://www.rawganique.com/hemp-webbing-p/web-ft.htm

Their product looks fine enough and their shipping is within reason, and pricing is affordable. I think that looks like it’s worthy of a bookmark!

I've made some hemp strops in the past. As supplied the hemp webbing, that I had obtained, shed so many fine fibers that it was unusable IMO. I boiled the strops to soften the fiber, hung and dried the strops, worked them over a 90º corner to further break down the fibers, then conditioned with a tiny amount of mineral oil. After that they were pretty nice.