Thread: rawhide strop

As this strop nears completion, I thought I'd share some photos and my progress

it's nice and supple right now as it's hydrated and coated with the 3rd coat of tallow based plaiting soap. We'll see how supple it stays as it dries, but it's ripe for mechanical breakdown with the d rings in place

Looking good

What width is it?

I'm in the planning stages of making one and debating between 2" and 2.5". I have a 3" but find I get a better edge by using an X stroke so intend making one which makes me do so.

It's 3.25 inches wide by 20 inches long in the stroppable area, not including the end pieces. I like a nice wide strop. that's how wide I've made all my strops so far. I've made 2 kangaroo and one latigo strop so far, and the rawhide. the rawhide was by far the hardest one to make, as I was working with some SLIPPERY hide! Unfortunaltely it shows in the craftmanship, but the subsequent ones will be much better looking if this works out.

Its all a matter of personal preference isn't it!

I have an availability of 2" or 2.5" English Bridle leather and 2" linen. I'm intending making wooden handles and using a 2" square ended trigger clip the only other choice is rivets, Chicago screws or sewing. I must say that I am leaning towards sewing (and gluing) at the moment.

I have loads of latigo and kangaroo, and used an old pair of blue jeans for the canvas. Havs some calf and some tooling leather too. I might try one of tooling leather soon.

Where did you get your Rawhide? How much was it? I'm curious as I am looking to start making my own.

I got the rawhide from a fellow in Texas, it's primo stuff, and cost IIRC $150 a side. worth it though.

Tejas Industries
806-364-8684

You can get rawhide a lot cheaper if you want to try it out. Just pick up one of those big dog chew bones and soak it in water, then unravel it. Not the best quality, but good enough to try it out wothout breaking the bank.

My dad used to have a huge roll of some stuff called naugahide a friend gave him from a factory he used to work which was like a synthetic leather. He doesn't have any more but it would of made perfect strops.