Thread: Made a strop

Gentlemen

Ive been toying with the idea of making a strop for quite a while and finally made one a few weeks ago.

First I purchased some Horween Chromexel.

From Horween website:

"Chromexcel is the original pull-up leather; using time honored techniques and formulas that were developed nearly 100 years ago. Chromexcel is still produced in the United States using a bark retannage from a proprietary recipe, and then genuine hot stuffed with our secret blend of natural oils and greases. Chromexcel is characterized by a rich pull-up in full aniline, hand rubbed finishes. Made to this day with old world craftsmanship, modern Chromexcel carries on a long history of superior comfort and durability."

What this means to us is that its a full grain leather that is hot stuffed, chrome tanned then full vegetable retanned with a waxy feel to it. Looking at the leather you can see how oily it is but funny enough the draw feels dry to me and not oily at all???

I cut the strop and hanging tab (Horween Derby) with a utility knife. I brought a cheap leather multi tool to add some detail to the edge then lightly sanded the edge with 600 grit w/d and burnished it too.
I fitted the hardware with binding screws buy drilling 6mm holes.
All in all it took me about half an hour. Job done!

I really enjoyed making this strop and can see me making more. I would like to find some flax linen or cotton for the next one but haven't anything suitable.

Adding detail

Hardwear

Simple strop with barber end