Thread: Question about making a strop

Hey Everyone,

I am planning to make my own strop for when my time comes to shave. What kind of leather would you guys recommend? Also what is the webbing on the back made out of?



LinacJr

It's not so much the kind of leather as it is the quality of the leather. You want something totally free of defects, blemishes, fat marks, cuts. Something really clean and substantial enough to function. The type of leather and finishing will affect the feel and draw. As far as the back they use webbing material or the classic material is linen and then cotton like canvas. I guess they used silk too.

[QUOTE] [I am planning to make my own strop for when my time comes to shave. What kind of leather would you guys recommend? Also what is the webbing on the back made out of? LinacJr]
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Linac

Here is a vintage linen strop with a new, blemish free top grain cowhide replacement leather from TANDY LEATHER. It's 2 1/2 inches wide. Works great.

JERRY
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Very good leather for making strop is cardovan (horse leather), 7-8 oz thick (2.8-3 mm), second preference - kangaroo leather. It is even more durable, but very difficult to get thick piece. I don't advice to use thin leather. And one more thing, you will not save much money on making strop yourself. Purchasing of budget but good strop like Illinoise is much better.

Some low dough suggestions. If you have a tandy leather near you. They sell pre cut lengths for making belts. They also have all the hardware you'll need like D rings, Chicago screws, Clasps etc. You'll have to find a piece that, as mentioned before by thebigspendur, is free of defects and blemishes as well as a piece that's not too stiff but rather pliable, bends easily. From there it's just a matter of putting it together.

Like this



Hope this helps,
Michael

Forgot to mention. This isn't one of the belt strips but a chunk from some black latigo I picked up.

2 inches wide
24.25 inches from bottom to the top of the D-ring
18 inches +/- stropping surface depending on your grip etc.

You can get the belt blanks 60+ inches in length which is more than enough to make 2 strops. BUT....for what you'll spend to make one you could probably get a Filly from Ken at Ruprazor and not have to worry about leather quality or any other QC issues.

Michael