Thread: Traveling with a hanging strop

I have a standard size hanging SRD Latigo strop (3x28"). What is the best way to travel with it ?

Laying it flat in my softsided suitcase (in the middle of the clothing for protection) results in a very wavy surface (although it flattens again after lots of palm-rubbing and several hours of being hung).

Also, I often travel with just a carry-on sized duffle bag or a packpack that are too short to lay the strop flat. Can I roll the strop ? What diameter ? Smooth side out ?

Thanks.

With those thicker leather strops it's best to pack them flat. If you can, sandwich it between some stiffer items in your luggage. If you want to try rolling it, do so loosely and with the smooth surface out. Other options are to get a paddle strop or, and I have to say this, buy a 'roo hide strop that can be rolled up a bit easier with less problems. I have a small 'roo hide travel strop that I roll and put in my toiletry (dopp) kit, that then gets stuffed into my backpack, and it comes out just fine. I've also done it with my wider 'roo strops and all have faired well.


Mick

I either lay mine along the bottom of the suitcase, or in one of the outside flaps. Has worked very well over the past six mths. of trips

I travel with a paddle strop.

Also, take a look around for a vintage retractable strop - ideal for traveling. I always take one with me when I travel. Here's a picture of mine:



James.

Geez James, can't you manage to put a fresh bit of hide on that thing?! Where's ya nouse boy...It's under the bonnet son...


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Geez James, can't you manage to put a fresh bit of hide on that thing?! Where's ya nouse boy...It's under the bonnet son...


Mick

LOL!!! Thank you MIck! You would think that some 'roo hide would be there.

When I trave I coil my strop smooth leather out, it also helps to put it in a small coffee can(plastic) for a little protection, whatever you do, do not bend, fold or mutilate, do not coil with the smooth leather inward, you will never get the wrinkles out.

Like Kees, I don't carry a hanging strop. I have a TI paddle and an SRD Modular paddle that I use. The SRD is at least twice as wide as the TI, so unless space is at a super premium I take the SRD.

Of course, if I had a cool traveling strop loaded with nice flexi 'roo leather I might change my tune.

That thing is amazing, Jimbo. How does it retract? Is it spring loaded or is there a winder/ratchet system of some sort in it?

Yes, it is spring loaded. One side of the barrel unscrews and you can get full access to the mechanism.

I did consider replacing the existing leather with some kangaroo leather, being thin and flexible, but the piece that is in it is seriously a nice bit of leather - I mean really a nice piece. So I took it out and fixed it up as best I could. There were a lot of nicks in it when I got it, mainly along the edges, but the leather itself was still supple. It really is an excellent strop actually.

James.