Leather Belt Strop

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Munky88

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Jun 1, 2008
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went to salvation army and got a leather belt for 2.50. Got some compound and rubbed it in the back side of it, but its kind of furry. Not like animal fur, i mean like the leather grain. Is there anyway to get rid of this so i can strop in both directions?

or am i doing something stupid like using the wrong side, or its not real leather (belt says Italian leather on it)
 
Its not the grade of leather you want for stropping and yes you are using the wrong side. Try tandy leather supply or woodcraft.com for good leather, there is a difference.
 
curses. the other side has needle work on most of it. your right, I cut the belt up a bit to examine it and it is very thin, cheap leather.
 
Last edited:
Munky88 said:
went to salvation army and got a leather belt for 2.50. Got some compound and rubbed it in the back side of it, but its kind of furry. Not like animal fur, i mean like the leather grain. Is there anyway to get rid of this so i can strop in both directions?

or am i doing something stupid like using the wrong side, or its not real leather (belt says Italian leather on it)
Click to expand...

To be effective, a strop should be made from vegetable tanned (tooling) leather. This still has the natural silicates in the leather which will finish your edge. If you're going to add a stropping compound, these silicates aren't as important, but you still will want to use the smooth side of good vegetable tanned leather for your strop. The best leather to use is horsehide. DO NOT USE A POLISHING COMPOUND ON HORSEHIDE!!! That would be like painting a diamond with gold colored paint!

You can get good stropping leather from Jantz Knifemaker's Supply, Tandy, or various other on-line supply companies. A piece 4" wide by 12" long, mounted on a firm wooden board is perfect for knives. For a straight razor, a hanging strop works well too.

Stitchawl
 
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