Hey Guys - I wanted to share my weekend project....I started by making a couple cotton pasting strops and then decided it may be fun to make a real strop. Well it was so fun that I made two.
They are 8 oz veg-tanned cowhide and measure 2 1/2" wide and about 24" long (22" stropping surface). I used 2" cotton for the prep surface and assembled the strops with 2" D-Rings, a 3/4" trigger snap, 1/4" and 3/8" Chicago Screws, and a 1/4" latigo lace. I used a strap end punch to make the cutouts in the leather for the D-rings straight and uniform. Both strops were then lightly oiled with neatsfoot and received a generous treatment with Mitchell's Wool Fat soap, I then rolled them with a glass bottle, and then worked them by hand to break then in and soften the leather. With the darker strop I attempted to create a more vintage 'distressed' look so I worked in strop dressing with my hands and then used a pumice stone to give the leather a more fatigued look. Finally both strops were brushed to raise a light nap. I have tried out both and they feel great and have delivered great shaves.
Also, I need to give a nod to Ken at RupRazor whose Paladin strop design I used as a general guide in making these. This was really a lot of fun and I highly recommend giving it a try.
Anyway, I'm interested in your feedback and comments.
Dallas
They are 8 oz veg-tanned cowhide and measure 2 1/2" wide and about 24" long (22" stropping surface). I used 2" cotton for the prep surface and assembled the strops with 2" D-Rings, a 3/4" trigger snap, 1/4" and 3/8" Chicago Screws, and a 1/4" latigo lace. I used a strap end punch to make the cutouts in the leather for the D-rings straight and uniform. Both strops were then lightly oiled with neatsfoot and received a generous treatment with Mitchell's Wool Fat soap, I then rolled them with a glass bottle, and then worked them by hand to break then in and soften the leather. With the darker strop I attempted to create a more vintage 'distressed' look so I worked in strop dressing with my hands and then used a pumice stone to give the leather a more fatigued look. Finally both strops were brushed to raise a light nap. I have tried out both and they feel great and have delivered great shaves.
Also, I need to give a nod to Ken at RupRazor whose Paladin strop design I used as a general guide in making these. This was really a lot of fun and I highly recommend giving it a try.
Anyway, I'm interested in your feedback and comments.
Dallas
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