Leather for Strops?

JSMcustoms

JSMcustoms

Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
1,792
The leather on my strops has gotten very thin from multiple resurfacings. The plan is to remove the old leather and replace it instead of the whole strop. And I managed to get a hold of a decent quantity of leather for free (always the best price). It's about a two foot by eight inch piece. But the question is will it be good for a strop? Note that the leather is slightly thinner at the other end.


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I can't really tell from your picture, but this leather appears to be very soft.

Two questions:
Are both sides somewhat rough, equally? Or is one side smooth?
Are you willing to spend some time compressing this leather?

It's obviously a 'split' of 'belly leather,' which isn't a problem so long as you improve the density. Used as it is, I think it's too soft to not run the risk of rolling over an edge.


Stitchawl
 
It actually feels hard when I press on it with it on my desk. The stuff doesn't compress much.
 
I'd offer you some, but mine is very thin from the git. Is your old leather torn up or just thin? If it's just thin, but holds compound I'd keep using it.

One way I test my strops for abrasion is to take an old penny and lightly rub the edge on it. It should easily shine the edge nicely. May not help you though.

Anyway, shoot me a pm or email if you want to try the stuff I've got. I'll cover shipping and all that.
 
JSMcustoms said:
It actually feels hard when I press on it with it on my desk. The stuff doesn't compress much.
Click to expand...

Can you make a mark/dent in it with your thumbnail without using much pressure? If so, it's not dense enough. That's always a good measure. You should be able to press down a bit with your nail, and not see an indentation.

If you do see it, it's not the end of the world... You just need to case the leather before you use it. No big deal.


Stitchawl
 
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