2 Strop questions.....

[Monofletch]

I have had the same piece of leather for quite some time. It is from a shoe repair guy, so it is pretty thick. I use black and green compound.
My questions are............

1- When should I replace it? Are there any tell tail signs that it needs replaced?

2- I have always used the rough "piled" side-Can I use the smooth side?

Thank you in advance!

 

[stitchawl]

I have had the same piece of leather for quite some time. It is from a shoe repair guy, so it is pretty thick. I use black and green compound.
My questions are............

1- When should I replace it? Are there any tell tail signs that it needs replaced?

If it gets chewed up, sliced up, etc., you might want to replace it. Or.. you might want to sand it smooth. If it gets too glazed over, you might want to clean it with either WD-40, lighter fluid, or Coleman Fuel.

2- I have always used the rough "piled" side-Can I use the smooth side?

Seems to be personal preference. From my point of view, if you are stropping convex edges the rough side works better. Beveled edges benefit from the smooth side. For absolute 'finish work,' the smooth side can't be beat.

I have a question for you; you say you are using two different compounds. Are you using them on the SAME piece of leather? Best to have a strop dedicated to one compound only.


Stitchawl

 

[Monofletch]

My piece of leather is about 6x6. I have one end for each color. I do NOT mix the compounds. I probably should cut it in half to really separate them. But I have had it this way for a LONG time.