Thread: A new home for my strop

I'm just 3 weeks into using a straight razor, and my SRD English Bridle strop has been in search of a worthy home. I had placed a hook on a shelf in a linen cupboard beside my sink. Before my shave I had to open the cupboard door and hang the strop on the hook.

The problem: The cupboard door, strop, and I blocked the entrance into the bathroom - adding an obstacle to SWMBO's busy mornings. Should such a strop be delegated to hang in a cupboard, hidden from admiring eyes??

The solution: see below. Now my strop & I are out of the traffic pattern, and my strop has a functional frame, at a focal point in the shave den. This is my very first project with my new scroll saw. Let me say that learning to use a straight razor has been much easier than learning to use a scroll saw. I went through 4 blades making the strop board. Let's just hope that doesn't happen in my SR learning process

I really like this. Great job! Hmmmm, think I'm going to have to copy this idea. How did you attach it to the wall so it is sturdy?

Thanks Sharp,

Mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery...

It's made of 1/2" thick project oak wood from Lowe's. Hidden behind the strop are 3 wood screws, with the highest being under the "rivets" at the top of the strop and the lowest under the lower "rivets". The third screw is at the midpoint. The wood screws are counter-sunk (is "sunk" correct??) making flat heads of the screws just below the wood surface, and they are lag-screwed into the wall. I was fortunate that there was a stud directly behind the spot I chose to hang it, so I don't think it's going anywhere. My only concern is that the force on the knob is a few inches above the top screw into the wall - I guess there's a slim chance the wood could begin to crack between the knob and the top screw. However, it doesn't budge even when applying more force than one should for correct stropping.

It is a very affordable option for mounting a strop as my total investment was approximately $12. That is, if you ignore the sweat equity and the $250 purchase of the scroll saw - hey, I "needed" that sucker anyway The wood was $10 and the drawer-pull knob was $2. I already had the stain and the matte finish spray varnish.

If you want to copy any of the design, PM me & I'll give you more details.

Greg

Originally Posted by sharp

I really like this. Great job! Hmmmm, think I'm going to have to copy this idea. How did you attach it to the wall so it is sturdy?

I like it alot. I've been looking for a proper place to hang my strop as well. I'll have to explore similar options. I like the detail, very creative. Great Job!!!

I hung mine behind the door to my Man Cave.

I got a 4" square piece of Corian, beveled the corners, and screwed it to a stud with a loop from the hardware store.. Works good, it's out of the way and I close the door for privacy and to aid concentration while I'm stropping!

Lovely work, indeed! I can't believe that this is the result of your first foray with the scroll-saw - very impressive1

Regards,
Neil

Thanks Neil,

As the saying goes "a blind squirel finds an acorn every now and then". Actually it just goes to show you what brute force and ignorance can accomplish

Greg

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Lovely work, indeed! I can't believe that this is the result of your first foray with the scroll-saw - very impressive1

Regards,
Neil

You and me both on the if I where independently wealthy idea.
I'd find a master Wooden Boat or Kayak builder that would let me apprentice under them. And would also dabble in furniture.
Have you done any wooden Scales for razors?

Originally Posted by LinacMan

I'm just 3 weeks into using a straight razor, and my SRD English Bridle strop has been in search of a worthy home. I had placed a hook on a shelf in a linen cupboard beside my sink. Before my shave I had to open the cupboard door and hang the strop on the hook.

The problem: The cupboard door, strop, and I blocked the entrance into the bathroom - adding an obstacle to SWMBO's busy mornings. Should such a strop be delegated to hang in a cupboard, hidden from admiring eyes??

The solution: see below. Now my strop & I are out of the traffic pattern, and my strop has a functional frame, at a focal point in the shave den. This is my very first project with my new scroll saw. Let me say that learning to use a straight razor has been much easier than learning to use a scroll saw. I went through 4 blades making the strop board. Let's just hope that doesn't happen in my SR learning process

Wow! That really turned out nice. You did a great job framing it beautifully.

Great job both of you. I just hang mine in a perfect space between the closet door and the bathroom door. iPhone photo's........