Thread: Strop Leather?

Can anyone tell me exactly what leather strops are made from? I look for English Bridle and strop leather on leather store websites, but I can't seem to find any. Does anyone know what I would look for at a leather craft store?

I don't think any store sells "strop leather". They probably wouldn't even know what you were talking about.

You just need to find a suitable piece.

There are many posts on this as far as the qualities you need. Totally smooth and free from defects of all kinds including wrinkles and fat marks. The finishing will change how it feels but really in the end all strops do the same thing.

I am far from being an expert, but I bought a piece of balsa from a craft store, and a piece of smooth leather from Tandy at the same store. A little glue and some time (very little) and I mad a strop with leather on one side and CrO2 on the other. Either side works well. The leather was about 1/16" thick 3 1/2" wide x 10" long. Rick

[QUOTE=hsudandy;728193]Can anyone tell me exactly what leather strops are made from?[QUOTE]

Primarily strops are dozens of different tanning and finishing and sizing variations on:

Horsehide
Cowhide
Kangaroo (where allowed)

Lots of types of leather will work, but some better than others. Also, personal preference plays a big part.

To give you an idea, the strops I am making at the moment have vegetable tanned kangaroo on one side and the other side is a bovine leather that is actually made to be used buy the guys who hand make footballs! They both strop very well but they have a different feel, so some people like to start on one side and then flip it over and finish on the other.

Just look for a leather that is free of lumps and creases, and has a draw that you like the feel of, and give it a try. If you can find a leather shop that sells smaller quantities, buy a few types and experiment to see what you prefer.

[QUOTE=lz6;728711][QUOTE=hsudandy;728193]Can anyone tell me exactly what leather strops are made from?

Primarily strops are dozens of different tanning and finishing and sizing variations on:

Horsehide
Cowhide
Kangaroo (where allowed)

Is Kangaroo hide illegal somewhere? I'm thinking California or Massachusetts. They both seem bent on ruining fun.
And nifty coin purses. (I don't have one, but I'd love to)

[QUOTE=bharner;729031][QUOTE=lz6;728711]

Originally Posted by hsudandy

Can anyone tell me exactly what leather strops are made from?


Is Kangaroo hide illegal somewhere? I'm thinking California or Massachusetts. They both seem bent on ruining fun.
And nifty coin purses. (I don't have one, but I'd love to)

I read somewhere that kangaroo products might be prohibited in CA. I have no idea why. It's not like the bloody things are endangered. I had some for lunch yesterday.

Having said that, I don't know how the customs people, or whoever it is that is supposed to be checking, would know. Especially if the seller did not specifically mention what the product was made from.