Thread: Using belts as strops

Originally Posted by mrsell63

An 8" x 3" piece of leather glued onto tile or wood is about the least expensive tool to strop a razor. holli4pirating is right to say , use the right tool for the job. I strongly agree.

Jerry
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Except that... An old belt really is an 8" x 2", sometimes 3" piece of leather...

As a kid i remember my grandfather used leather belt as a strop, so when i started with straights i did the same too. Had about 2 inch wide Russian army leather belt and it worked ok.
Nowadays i have a real strop about 2,5 inch wide. Easier to use because of the handles.
If the belt has no cracks or bends it works as a strop as good as a real strop.

I remember exacly the same thing. I have pesonally used soft army leather belt as strop with no greater issues. Rub some olive oil into your belt if you see some cracks and you are good to go!

I hope this helps...

If you have a leather merchant / wholesaler near you - check them out.

You may find that picking out a smooth piece of leather and getting it cut to size is cheaper than using a belt. Try looking in strop forums at some of the home made strops people have done.

(Use search button)

All the best,
Michael

Although I am one for DIY projects.. and saving money !!!

You can get a good new leather strop for $20 RupRazor Filly
You can buy an Illinois Linen and Leather for $30 or less
There are more in this range too I just can't think of them at the moment

I spend that on belts easy

You should search this area of the forum for some of the "Stropping is King" threads and see just how important stropping is to a really comfortable shave...