Thread: How to fix cupped strop?

I have a strop 2.25" wide that has become cupped. How can I fix this?

Thanks for help

I would moisten it and then put some heavy books on it and leave it to dry. Flat surface needless to say. Wait for other opinions ..... I was wrong once before ..... maybe someone who knows what they're talking about will come along.

I had a strop with such an issue before. I reverse cupped it, gave it a good hand rub, and the problem was solved.

If the "pulling part" is not pulling all the width of the strop it will deform.
Any pics on how it's constructed?

Originally Posted by Lemur

If the "pulling part" is not pulling all the width of the strop it will deform.
Any pics on how it's constructed?

It's the poor man's strop I got from Whippeddog.com
Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

Originally Posted by binder

It's the poor man's strop I got from Whippeddog.com
Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

Ok, then that's your problem, the leather have started to give in the middle.
Try take a soft paper tissue and pull it between your hands, you will see it buckling the same as your strop.
You need to get some type of stabilizer that will spread the load over the strops width.

To fix the cupping you need to stretch the edges to match the stretch that has already occurred in the center of the strop. I would try some neatsfoot oil and a little hand rubbing. Hopefully over time you can stretch the edges enough to get rid of the cupping. To help with the process;

Originally Posted by Lemur

You need to get some type of stabilizer that will spread the load over the strops width.

I have started adding stiffeners to the bottom of my strops where I hold it. On some I have stitched heavy leather on each side. On the strop I recently made I took strips of ebony I had cut as scale blanks and used gorilla glue to attach them to the bottom end on each side. The pieces of wood are about 1/2"x1/8" thick x 3" (3" wide strop). Sanded them up real nice and there you have it. I makes for a good handle while stropping and assures that the tension will be spread evenly across the entire width of the strop. Any type of wood will work as long as it's thick enough so it doesn't break when you palm rub your strop, Popsicle sticks might be a bit light, unless you double them up. Be creative, you probably won't make things any worse.