Cheap 3" Strop

[InvictusManeo]

I just got into straight shaving and I have started out with a straight and a strop from Larry at whippeddog.com, but I have already almost destroyed the original strop after less than 2 weeks. The biggest problem I seem to be haveing is when I try to make an X-pattern and I guess as I am moving the razor over, I have several times sliced huge gashes into the strop. Not nicks, gashes. I only have about 6 inches of usable space left, and I think I am going to need a new strop. I think I would do much better with a 3" strop where I don't have to reposition the blade while trying to make an X pattern. There is a local Tandy Leather store that sells a 3"x50" inch piece of leather for about $30.00 that I figure I could make two strops out of. (one more that will inevitable be destroyed like my first, and another that I will be able to use once I get the hang of things.) So anyway, I guess my question is: Is this piece of leather suitable to make a strop out of?

Here is a link to see what the leather looks like on their website:
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/...eather-Straps/4523-190.aspx?feature=Product_3

Thanks in advance for everybody's help.

 

[winston61]

I practice stropping with newspaper wrapped around a scrappy bit of 1x4 board. Shredding newspaper better than a new strop and it's good for your technique.

 

[Wid]

Make sure your razor is not sharpen past the stabilizers. I too was cutting up my strop with this one razor and come to find out it had been honed past the stabilizers and this caused the strop to be nicked up.

Once I dulled that spot, no more nicks.

 

[bradyarz]

i'm no leather expert, so i can't comment on the quality of the piece you're looking at.

i can say, however, that i just bought a 3" x 28" (22" stropping area) 2-piece strop on the bst, and i believe brand new on ebay they're not much more than what i paid. search for big daddy strop. they've gotten several positive reviews that i've seen.

that said, mine was more of an impulse buy, and you should still consider saving a little more to buy a strop made by our members here. i don't mean to plug any one member over another, but the only two names i can remember off the top of my head are screaming pig and ambrose.

 

[TheVez2]

So anyway, I guess my question is: Is this piece of leather suitable to make a strop out of?

Here is a link to see what the leather looks like on their website:
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/...eather-Straps/4523-190.aspx?feature=Product_3

I made a strop out of that same piece of leather. It is enough for 2 strops. I made one and have the other half in reserve, incase I mutilate my first one.