What kind of wood to use as a base for a leather strop?

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Rey HRH

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Oct 6, 2014
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I've been toying with the idea of making my own leather strop because I can't seem to find one in the size I want: 3" wide by greater than 8" but less than 12" long by about 1 1/2" thick. The prices also are fairly high. I figure I can make several for myself and maybe friends and come out cheaper per strop.

What kind of board can I get? Also, I can cut it to length but I don't have a way of flattening the surfaces.

I found a couple of sources for the leather easy enough. I figure I can use Elmer's glue to bond the leather to the wood?

Thanks for your help.
 
I've used everything from paint stir sticks (free @ most big box depot's) to actual lumber cut to 10"-12". I think my favorite size is probably 1/2" x 2" boards (I've heard them called furring strips also). Sure any glue could work, but leather contact cement is really not expensive, and solid. You want the leather fairly dense. If you've worked with leather you probably already know why and how.

In fact I have a paint stick strop here on my desk at work. I use it to strop the knives I use to open mail. A lot of paper can be hard on an edge, and I like to hear that smooth swooshing sound when slicing. If the volume raises or turns to a slight tearing sound....it's time to strop. ;)
 
I bought a few pieces of premium poplar lumber in 2" and 3" widths at HD. Inexpensive enough, and works well.
 
Why limit yourself to wood? I was able to score a scrap granite from a countertop leftovers, it's 4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick and 10 inches long, for $5. They even polished the edges for me. I glued the leather on it and it worked amazing, it's heavy enough that I don't have to hold on to it when I strop. A nice paper weight too ;)
 
True, I have used just wood with no leather, the base of a ceramic coffee cup, jeans with buffing compound, and actual phone books. For a bit o polish, squirt a little of your favorite automotive polish onto the phone book section of your choosing. Strop away.
 
All good recommendations. Thick panes of glass will also work.

I also used premium hardwood from Home Depot. I used Poplar and Maple in 2", 3", and 4" widths around $2/ft.
 
I've made them from pecan, red oak, and pine.

Away from home I made a few from some craft wood strips I found at Hobby Lobby.

Like someone else said, almost anything can be used.
 
I have used as simple as the back of an old leather belt on a table top to strop. Go with what you have around the home.
 
M. McCord said:
I've made them from pecan, red oak, and pine.

Away from home I made a few from some craft wood strips I found at Hobby Lobby.

Like someone else said, almost anything can be used.
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Hobby Lobby even has a 3-1/2" x 22" x 3/4" wood 'paddle board' for craft uses. Complete with handle, it's tailor-made for a big strop.

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David
 
pretty sure the backing doesn't matter. I use red oak, because it's cheap. As long as the backing is flat, then it should be fine.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
Hobby Lobby even has a 3-1/2" x 22" x 3/4" wood 'paddle board' for craft uses. Complete with handle, it's tailor-made for a big strop.

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David
Click to expand...

I saw those while I was visiting and looking at their leather offerings. It was labeled as a paddle. I couldn't think of any use for that except for a strop.
 
I also have a bunch of Tandy Leather strops. Sure they can be made cheaper. But for around $15 get something ready to go with smooth on one side and rough on the other. They are not big, but very well made.
 
this would be the simplest tool to make! i use 1/2 to 3/4'' plane pine stock about 12x4 long,or any size will do!some leather/glue your done.
 
blanex1 said:
this would be the simplest tool to make! i use 1/2 to 3/4'' plane pine stock about 12x4 long,or any size will do!some leather/glue your done.
Click to expand...

That's what I figure and that's why I'm doing it myself since I can't find anything that I have in mind.

My main thing is I just want the leather on one side. The size needs to be 3" wide and longer than 8" but less than 12" to fit the number of strops I want in my storage space which is just a drawer in my tool box.
 
The best strop I've ever used is the Strop Block from Knives Plus. They use a 2x8 inch piece of particle board.
 
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