Thread: Optimal Thickness of leather?

What would be an optimal thickness of a leather strop for razors? Obviously, one can only get it "so" thick, but I would think that a thin strip of leather would not be preferred over one of 1/8" or better thickness.

And, is horse hide, *rump area* preferred over steer hide, or does that really make a difference?

Just wondering.

I have a Kanayama built strop that has to be close to 1/4 inch thick and a Kangaroo strop that is paper thin and quite few between those two... were talking hanging strops I assume

Guess what.. They all work Buy quality though, and you should do fine..
Be very concerned with the hardware though, I am seeing more and more of this home built crap that has stuff sticking up where it shouldn't, that will lead to blade nicks and chips...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Be very concerned with the hardware though, I am seeing more and more of this home built crap that has stuff sticking up where it shouldn't, that will lead to blade nicks and chips...

10-4 on that one! I have a strop that has 2 Chicago screws at the top and bottom. Pro side is, you can replace the leather if it really got damaged or put in something different fairly easily. CON side is, they're there. Although you shoulnd't go that far up or that far down, they are still present. I put a double layer of Gorilla duct tape across them, just in case. I don't think going that high and hitting that area is good, but it sure wouldn't be good to hit the blade edge on a bare metal Chicago screw. Stitching would have been the safest all around.

I don't remember how thick it is, but it is much thicker leather than a narrow 4 paddle "Vintage" strop I have. The leather on it was dry and old. So I took the leather off and gave it a few treatments of Neatsfoot Oil to give it a bit more pliable life. It is a whole lot better now, but thin and old enough to remember WW1 or before.

I don't think the leather needs to be super-thick or paper-thin, but something in between - IMO 8-10 oz. Latigo works well (if one prefers the Latigo draw), and 5-7 horse hide works well. When you have held quality leather you know it!

Vern,

If you are hitting the screws when you are stropping, your stropping technique needs some work.............

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Lynn

Vern,

If you are hitting the screws when you are stropping, your stropping technique needs some work.............

Have fun,

Lynn

LOL, nope,never hit the screws, nor get very close. It's a cautionary thing, kind of like having a guard rail next to the edge of a cliff. I don't intend to put on the brakes and drive next to the cliff, but I feel better just knowing it's there. It's nice to think that the screws are at least covered. I don't intend to get robbed or assaulted either, but that doesn't slow me down from carrying concealed....everywhere.

The thickest strops I've seen are DD model 50 and a Red Imp Horse. I've never measured them but they are really thick. I don't think the thickness makes a difference stropping wise but you will pay dearly for a quality thick piece of leather.

Originally Posted by Gibbs

10-4 on that one! I have a strop that has 2 Chicago screws at the top and bottom. Pro side is, you can replace the leather if it really got damaged or put in something different fairly easily. CON side is, they're there. Although you shoulnd't go that far up or that far down, they are still present. I put a double layer of Gorilla duct tape across them, just in case. I don't think going that high and hitting that area is good, but it sure wouldn't be good to hit the blade edge on a bare metal Chicago screw. Stitching would have been the safest all around.

Blimey, Gibbs - you'll be cutting-off that nasty metal hanging gear next and replacing it with string!

Regards,
Neil

As Glen said, I too have strops ranging from the thinnest Cangaroo-hide and all the way up to the thickest of Kanayama's.
And they all work brilliantly.
My personal preference is Cordovan shell, but any quality hide will work just as well.
It's all personal when it comes to the leather type, draw and width.

Well I can't say I've suffered from strop acquisition, having my one shop bought strop and prefering my own 'roo hide instead. I'm going to say thickness is secondary to the quality of the leather. My shop bought strop is an entry level strop. You can pay premium prices for a good quality thick piece of hide, and I can tell you now, you will pay premium prices for a quality peice of 'roo hide. You can also pay premium prices for absolute crap leather if you don't know any better.
Thick or thin, quality leather, and what works best for the individuals taste, is my own opinion on the matter. I must say though, that strop choice is limited in this country. Seems that the large range of choice has to come from O.S


Mick


Mick