Making a strop

[Westfield]

I have just got hold of some leather to make a sharpening strop, what is the best way of fixing the leather to the wooden backing, contact adhesive?
Having never used a strop before, which side of the leather do I use, the smooth side or other?

Thanks for your help

Hugh

 

[Chrispy]

PVA wood glue will be fine, and use the smooth side to work on.

 

[Westfield]

Many thanks

Hugh

 

[MIGNAL]

Some say rough, some say smooth. No doubt both will work.

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

I used tacks to attach mine to a block, suede side up which I clamp in my vise, and I use buffing soap on it, works a treat.

 

[Dodge]

If anyone wants to make a strop I have loads on off cuts of leather from various projects in the past - My upholsterer always gives me the off cuts!

 

[Mister S]

Wow Roger, what an offer. Be careful you don't get knocked down in the rush!

You're a top bloke. Willing to referee the Great Sharpening Showdown and this offer on top.

I've sent you a pm.

Steve

 

[Dodge]

Wow Roger, what an offer. Be careful you don't get knocked down in the rush!

You're a top bloke. Willing to referee the Great Sharpening Showdown and this offer on top.

I've sent you a pm.

Steve

If anyone wants a piece of leather send me a Stamped addressed envelope, my address is on my website and I will get a piece in the post to you!

Rog

 

[Westfield]

Looks like I will not be the only one making a new strop, thanks for all the advice.

Hugh

 

[Peter Sefton]

I use and supply (sorry can't compete with free) leather from the bend of the cow that's exported to china for the razor manufacturers - it’s about 3 to 4 mm thick. I recommend glueing it with Titebond III to a quartersawn stable timber, rough side out (for coarse stropping) fine side out for finishing. Once the glue has cured I treat it with baby oil to open the pores in readiness to except the honing compound - I use Veritas.
The other strop I use is my hand for removing the wire edge but be careful, you can't buy a replacement.

 

[No skills]

Glad you posted that, I have some leather and was wondering if it was too thick to make a strop from. If you can use 3-4 mm without any problem then I'll go ahead with mine.

 

[No skills]

There is another way to make a strop. Just tell my 2.5 year old that its time to turn cbeebies off.

:roll:

 

[Graham Orm]

If anyone wants to make a strop I have loads on off cuts of leather from various projects in the past - My upholsterer always gives me the off cuts!

PM mate :wink:

 

[Dodge]

There is another way to make a strop. Just tell my 2.5 year old that its time to turn cbeebies off.

:roll:

Now where is the "like" button!!

Luckily past that stage in the Berwick household - unfortunately now in the "whatever" period though :evil:

 

[Westfield]

Peter, thanks for the comprehensive reply, I have enough leather for two strips so will have one facing in either direction.


Hugh

 

[Peter Sefton]

Peter, thanks for the comprehensive reply, I have enough leather for two strips so will have one facing in either direction.


Hugh

No problem

I have a 3 year old and a 4 year old so I can get strops in either direction as well :!:

Cheers Peter

 

[No skills]

Luckily past that stage in the Berwick household - unfortunately now in the "whatever" period though :evil:

Feel your pain there, little 2.5 has 19.5 step sister ( :shock: ), dont worry though "whatever" - "who do you think you are" - "dont tell me what to do" etc lasts only 7 years.

 

[No skills]

Peter, thanks for the comprehensive reply, I have enough leather for two strips so will have one facing in either direction.


Hugh

No problem

I have a 3 year old and a 4 year old so I can get strops in either direction as well :!:

Cheers Peter

:lol:

 

[Westfield]

I knew their would be trouble when I used that title.

Hugh

 

[Westfield]

It gets worse, I asked the wife if she had any baby oil and then had to explain I wanted to put it on my leather to open the pores................................yeah right!!!!!!