Maintaining a sharp edge on your knife is crucial, and stropping plays a vital role in achieving that. However, before you start making your strop, it’s important to prepare the leather properly. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a strop from a suede glove.
Stropping involves compressing the leather to create a more firm substrate, reducing the roll-over of your edge. Feeding the leather also plays a crucial role in making it last longer. Leather consists of multiple layers, but we mainly focus on the epidermis and dermis, with the epidermis being the layer we use when stropping on the smooth side of the leather.
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When it comes to choosing leather for your strop, chrome-tanned leather, commonly used for garments and upholstery, tends to be softer and can roll your edges. This is where vegetable-tanned leather comes into play. Vegetable-tanned leather contains more natural silicates than cotton, making it perfect for stropping. For general knife stropping, hanging strops for convex edges, and bench strops for flat beveled edges, 7/9oz vegetable-tanned cowhide is recommended.
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While almost anything can be used as a strop, some materials work better than others. If you’re looking for the best performance, shell cordovan horsehide is the way to go. It requires fewer strokes to strop the blade, providing exceptional results. However, if shell cordovan is not accessible, veg-tanned horse ‘butt’ is also a great choice.
Kangaroo leather, known for its high percentage of natural silicates, can be used as a strop if sliced thinly and glued to a hard backing substrate. It may not be as dense as cow or horsehide, but with the right preparation, it can be effective.
Now that we’ve covered the choice of leather, let’s move on to preparing your strop leather. Properly processing the leather is essential for a high-quality strop. Begin by wetting both sides of the leather for a few seconds, allowing it to dry for an hour or two. This will make the leather pliable. Then, using a rolling pin or any smooth pipe, roll and compress the leather repeatedly on a smooth, hard surface. The longer you do this, the better the results.
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After preparing the leather, let it dry for 2-3 days while you work on creating the base or handle. Once dry, use contact cement to glue the leather to the base, ensuring a solid bond. Trim the leather to the desired size. To enhance its performance, apply a thin layer of ordinary shoe cream to the leather surface. Let it sit overnight, then gently remove any excess cream with a clean cloth. Allow the leather to dry completely before using the strop.
Feeding your strop is another crucial step in maintaining its quality. To feed your leather, you can use pure lanolin or pure Neatsfoot oil. These substances help replenish the natural oils in the leather. Apply a small amount of the chosen oil or cream and work it into the leather using your fingers. Let it sit for a couple of hours, then wipe off any excess.
Remember, leather preparation and feeding are vital for a long-lasting strop. Preparing your strop leather may require some extra time and effort, but it will result in a strop better than most commercially available options. With proper care, your strop can last for many years.
In conclusion, creating a strop from a suede glove is a cost-effective and efficient way to maintain the edge on your knife. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a high-quality strop that will keep your blades sharp for years to come. Happy stropping!
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Category: HOW
