Mak'g my own Strop... Smooth or Rough side out on Leather?

[Redsnake1997]

I have seen this before but couldn't find it after searching.

I just bought a piece of leather that's 2" by about 44" (belt template) and wanted to know if I should have the rough or smooth side out on my board when I make the Strop? I'm planning on something like 2" x 12" or thereabouts.

I also plan on adding some buffing compound on one part and then leaving the leather alone on another side.

Thanks.

 

[thombrogan]

Either side will work. You might want to put the compound on the smooth side and then use the rough side to snag and steal and last vestiges of burr not removed by the smooth+compound side.

Some folks have found that paper over glass (or other hard, flat surfaces) charged with compound (diamond paste, chrome stuff, most any abrasive powder in something gooey) can work better than leather. I first read about it from Tai Goo, but Ken123's experiments made it too good to resist.