Are these strops ok to use or should I replace them?

[Chris_S]

I bought a wicked edge and the guy I bought it from was using the 3m diamond lapping film but I have yet to find a decent place that I don't have to buy 500 sheets of it. I was just going to use the strops but they are a little cut up and was wondering if they are ok to use or if I should just go ahead and replace them?

Edit: Ended out buying a new set rather I need them or not. Still wondering if these are any good though.

 

[dkb45]

I wouldn't use them for lapping film (I would rather use a nice flat surface), but they should still be perfectly good strops.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

If the strops are homemade(?) with regular veg-tanned leather, you could just sand them smooth again, with little/no penalty. Or, in that event, you could just replace the leather. On the other hand, if the strops were made with leather processed for stropping (i.e. 'cased' leather, or highly compressed), then sanding will alter that surface and change how it performs.

If you do sand them, some simple garnet or AlOx mid/high-grit sandpaper for wood will work. Just wrap a piece around a smooth & flat block of wood, and sand lightly. Doesn't take much to abrade the leather; it'll come off quickly. If any of the cuts are deep, it'll take more work to make the leather completely smooth again. Using a vacuum cleaner to clean up the 'dust' from the surface, after sanding, will work well to pick up any sanding grit that might remain behind. Using sandpaper with relatively coarse grit will make it easier to detect and remove the grit particles. Don't want finer/smaller particles of grit becoming embedded in your new leather surface.

As mentioned for lapping film, are hard backing is better for this (glass, hardwood, etc.).


David

 

[Chris_S]

If the strops are homemade(?) with regular veg-tanned leather, you could just sand them smooth again, with little/no penalty. Or, in that event, you could just replace the leather. On the other hand, if the strops were made with leather processed for stropping (i.e. 'cased' leather, or highly compressed), then sanding will alter that surface and change how it performs.

If you do sand them, some simple garnet or AlOx mid/high-grit sandpaper for wood will work. Just wrap a piece around a smooth & flat block of wood, and sand lightly. Doesn't take much to abrade the leather; it'll come off quickly. If any of the cuts are deep, it'll take more work to make the leather completely smooth again. Using a vacuum cleaner to clean up the 'dust' from the surface, after sanding, will work well to pick up any sanding grit that might remain behind. Using sandpaper with relatively coarse grit will make it easier to detect and remove the grit particles. Don't want finer/smaller particles of grit becoming embedded in your new leather surface.

As mentioned for lapping film, are hard backing is better for this (glass, hardwood, etc.).


David

I honestly can't say as they are the ones that Clay sells for the wicked edge. I will sand them though and see how it turns out as I ordered a new set so if I damage them it isn't a big deal.