Paddle Strop : Replacing Leather

[rockviper]

Not bring happy with the draw on my TI paddle strop, I ordered two 10x3 pieces of English Bridle from Star Shaving to replace the icky suede (YMMV ). Nothing technically wrong with the strop, I just don't like the feel of it, but I love the paddle itself.

Before:

Step-1: Removal
I was amazed at how easy it was to pull off the suede. Thought I would be doing a combination of various things and pictured myself having the use a knife to undercut a tip and then use pliers or vicegrips to pull it off. Instead, a small amount of picking at a corner with my thumbnail lifter enough to get a grip and ... Voila! The whole pad pulls off very easily!
This is starting out pretty good!

... and here is the naked paddle...
Very little glue residue left behind. I think a spray adhesive rather than goopy-goopy-glue was used and I think this is exactly what I'll do when I'm attaching my leathers.

I took some Goo-Gone on a rag to help remove any residue and am now waiting for the paddle to dry before sanding.
(more to come)

 

[rockviper]

Step-2: Preparation
Sanded the surface down with 240 grit and used painter's tape to mask off the top of the paddle to where the new piece of leather would end. Since this paddle has two hollow cutouts, I used a piece of the old suede to loop in through both opening to provide some required support.

Step-3: Add New Leather
Using 3M 77 spray adhesive, I sprayed both the paddle and the back side of the leathers and stuck them together. Used the second piece of old suede as protection between the top leather and the weights (2 x 5lb). Now you can see the reason for insterting the suede through the cutout; it prevents any bowing of the paddle while the glue dries.

 

[rockviper]

Step-4: Post-Repair Cleanup
After sitting with the weights on top for about 5 hours, I think it's done. Stripped off the painter's tape and then just rubbed my thumb on any glue seepage and you know what? The excess glue just rolled right off! Thought I would have to use a knife to trim, but no, nothing could be easier!
Here's the final result...

Folks, if I can do this, YOU can do this...... or you can build your own paddle or bench strop without too much concern.

One last thing...

Step-5: Use and Enjoy!
No pic for this step

Hopefully, at least one person will have found this useful.

 

[jpcwon]

Looks good!

I think I may take a page out of your book & re-surface my SRD paddle (which looks a whole lot like your TI). I'm not crazy about the leather that came with it, so I think maybe I'll order some of the good stuff & give it a go!

 

[rockviper]

It was EXTREMELY easy to do... so go for it!

 

[tunney]

I cannot find a link to the replacement leather on the Star site. Any links please?

 

[rockviper]

I cannot find a link to the replacement leather on the Star site. Any links please?

I eMailed them with the exact sizes I wanted, identifying what I was trying to do.
They were very accomodating.