I'm also looking for leather to make a strope or two. Does anyone have suggestions?

Thanks for any help.

[AlArchie]

I've used a wide belt for this once! Otherwise, try Tandy Leather, on line. should be able to order from them. On old boot top will work, too, or purse strap, check St. vinnies, or goodwill for leather products.

Al

Old leather glove, have several I made from them. Have used both sides, rought and smooth. For what strops cost you could buy new gloves, cut them up, and still be ahead of the game. Actually, denim material works pretty well also as does canvas. You can strop on almost anything, including wood.

Try a shoe repair store.They have 1/4 inch .and can cut you a peice the size you want.

Look in the Yellow Pages under ' Leather ' . There is a place here in St. Louis that sells 4-5 oz. split cowhide for $1.98 per sq. ft.

Butch

Or you could just order the leather or even a ready made strop from wood craft. I don't have much experiance with them but the one dsigned by Butz looks like an execlent design.

[Big_Al]

I went to a 'uniform store' Ex; Police, nurse, Dr., etc, and bought a black policeman's belt (get a large size) I then went to a home center (paint, lumber, etc.) and asked for a few wood paint stirrers that you use in a five gallon can. Then cut and epoxy together to any length you wish. It will make about five strops. Good luck, Big Al

[Captain_Bandaid]

If you have a craft shop like Michaels or Hobby Lobby near by , look for the section on Indian Crafts. They usually have leather in pre-cut sections and in grab-bags. Lots of strop material in the grab bags. I prefer to use sturdy 1x2' wood for strops as it keeps it from flexing while you strop. If the strop flexs downward, it can actually dull the edge. Use wood glue or contact cement to attach the leather. If you are really creative, leave about 6' on the end for a handle and carve it to personalize the strop.

Try the back of a good leather belt.

Ed

[Kenny_S]

I have used both back and front side of the leather. Both side are equal in the way the sharpen the tool. In other words, I haven't seen any difference is the way both sidws sharpens or hones the tool.

Any others who have tried boths sides.