Thread: My 1st home made hanging strop

I'm gonna hazard a guess that it's 2" wide like he said in the original post Stu...


Mick

Originally Posted by Str8Raz0r

Excellent. Looks great. Just out of curiosity, what is the width?

Originally Posted by MickR

I'm gonna hazard a guess that it's 2" wide like he said in the original post Stu...


Mick

Mick is quite correct, I used it last night and it worked very well. I suspect that the sanded side gives a better edge than the fully smooth side but need more testing to be sure.

That smooth side should be giving it the final polish to make for a smoother shave. It could be that because the smooth has less feel to it in the stropping action, it is tricking you psycologically into thinking your getting a better edge from the coarser side. Then again, you just might be getting a better edge from the coarser side.


Mick

im making a storp this week, not as fancy as your but i might post picks when i finish it.

Good luck, just plan it through and take your time

It really isn't that hard to make a strop, but you do need to follow the old adage, "measure twice and cut once". You should also stick with a first quality leather or Grade 1. You might pay a little more for it, but it will be worth it.


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

That smooth side should be giving it the final polish to make for a smoother shave. It could be that because the smooth has less feel to it in the stropping action, it is tricking you psycologically into thinking your getting a better edge from the coarser side. Then again, you just might be getting a better edge from the coarser side.


Mick

Well after having done some more testing I think you are right, the sanded side seems to be performing like a linen strop where as the smooth side finishes an edge nicely.

That looks beautiful, did you use a sowing awl or just use a thick needle? How does that wooden handle feel when stropping? Looks great!

I would assume he used some large needles, such as those that saddlers use, as he stated that he drilled the holes prior to sewing. I do the same thing in my own leather work. Drilling the holes makes it easier when you want to put in saddle stitches, or some such styles where you use two needles, one on each side of the leather being stitched.


Mick

Sorry I didn't see the paragraph between the two pics saying you used an sewing awl. Still looks really nice!