So I made my own strop.

[outsider]

Bought a belt blank, some chicago screws and a d-ring.

Works great cost about $8.

Am I missing out on anything?

[edenri]

maybe a stupid question, but whats a belt blank, and where did you get it? Do you have any pics?

[Ookla The Mok]

http://www.eleathersupply.com/beltstrap.shtml

IMO you would have been better off with 2.5" or 3" straps in 72" trimmed to size. However, for $30 you are probably better off getting a quality strop from tony miller.

[outsider]

It's a 2.75" cowhide uncut belt blank. I work with leather semi-regularly so no need for me to pay a premium on someone else's work when I can do it myself. The place you linked to is charging far far more than leather stores near me charge for the same materials.

[moses]

It's a 2.75" cowhide uncut belt blank. I work with leather semi-regularly so no need for me to pay a premium on someone else's work when I can do it myself. The place you linked to is charging far far more than leather stores near me charge for the same materials.

Sounds good to me. Of course, someone who makes strops professionally will have specifically picked out leathers for the purpose of stropping. But I'm guessing what you have will work just great. See the thread re keeping your strop conditioned. But I'm guessing if you work with leather regularly, you are also familiar with keeping it in good condition and not dried out.

One little suggestion. it sounds like you have just one D-ring. Do you have anything for a handle at the other end? The one from Tony that I have has a D-ring at each end, which is nice. Provides a handle, and keeps it nice and flat.

-Mo

[Tony Miller]

As long as it is a reasonably flat piece of leather it ought to work just fine. More important than what type leather you use, is using a good piece of whatever type you choose. Flat side to side, resisitant to cupping, not too slick a surface, not to pliable and not too stiff and a tough enough finish to hold up to wear.

Obviously walking into a store/supplier and seeing what you are getting first hand is the key. Even with my "semi-trained" suppliers every shipment is a battle of good vs. waste. When I buy a side of leather about 50% is waste and 50% is strop material but I still have to pay for the full 100%. The waste that looks good but is too thin, etc... becomes ends and handles, the waste that looks less than perfect but feels good becomes practice strops, the rest goes to the local Boy Scout troop for craft projects.

I'm sure yours will be just fine!

Take care,
Tony

[AlpinMacK]

Tony,
I noticed that your starter / travel strop is shown with two different hangers but it seems that only the thong and bead is available. I am interested in the swivel hardware. is that still an option? Thanks.

p.s. sorry to high-jack this thread with a sale question.

[Thebigspendur]

Of course we don't know your expertise with leather and we haven't seen your strop so maybe its the best in the world but in general its kind of like guys who collect knives and say they are very experienced with honing knives, and razors are no big deal until they try and hone one and can't understand why they are having so much trouble. I think its the same with strops. There are many factors that go into making a really quality strop besides just getting a chunk of leather and using it. I think for most of us the price of a basic strop isn't that high and we can all afford to buy one however we would love to see some pictures of yours. Maybe your the guy who can put Tony out of business.