handmade strop design #2...come take a peek!! [Archive]

screaming_pig

07-23-2010, 09:37 AM

Howdie folks,

Thought I would share with you my new design, after some head scratching this is what I've come up with.

Strop leather is tripple tanned Ox hide, has a lovely draw to it. This one is 2 1/2inch wide with a stropping length of 20inches

I wanted something different in style so paid a little more attention to the shape of the securing flaps and the 'hanging' hardware.

The flaps which are Latigo and now have more 'flow' to them, which I think gives a more traditional feel to them. All of the cut edges are burnished so you dont see the 'fringe' effect, they are all nice and smooth.

Hanging the strop is made possible by using 1/4inch solid brass bar and a solid brass swivel. In the middle of the bar I filed out a semi-circle so the swivel cant move anywhere once tension is applied to the handle.

For the handle I've used a solid brass d-ring, nice and hefty. Gives a solid pull to tension the strop.

Solid brass chicago screws are used in the centers.

And finally artificial sinew used to hand stitch all together.

As you've probably noticed I've used 'solid brass' a lot to descibe the hardware on this strop but would like to get across how durable these strops will be, I truely believe they will last a lifetime and longer!

I have plenty of leather in stock so please feel free to PM me for further details if you would like to purchase one.

Sizes available are 2 1/2" and 3" widths.

All comments welcome as feedback is very much appreciated :thumbup:

So without further a do, on with the pics....

114747

114749

114750

114751

gaj90027

07-23-2010, 10:45 AM

Very nice! :w00t:

kg4ghn

07-23-2010, 11:24 AM

Awesome work!! :thumbup1:

domino

07-23-2010, 11:40 AM

Ian, both of your designs are awesome!
Your attention to detail really shows in the finished product, excellent work...:thumbup:

jkh

07-23-2010, 11:58 AM

Ian, your strops look absolutely amazing. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are stunning. I would be willing to bet you are going to get a lot of requests for your strops. There is a void in the strop market now that Mr Miller is on hiatus ....

Any chance of adding a cotton/linen component to these strops?

Tuxedo7

07-23-2010, 01:21 PM

As I mentioned in my PM, Ian, I really think you are potentially taking this "art" to another level. The brass and attachment design are very attractive, and unique. The fit and finish looks superb.

I am with Jeremy on sharing his interest in linen (or cotten), and would also like to know if you've thought about a 3" width.

REALLY looking forward with excitement as to where your new venture will take you ... it's really cool seeing you taking your creativity and dedication and applying it to a business opportunity ... good luck!

screaming_pig

07-23-2010, 02:17 PM

Hi fellas,

First and foremost a BIG thankyou for all of the very kind comments!

And to answer a few questions:

1, Yes width is totally up to the buyer, 3" being the maximum but anything under that I can do.

2, Ah the linen/canvas/cotton question, in a nut shell I still havent found anything up to standard. I have ordered no end of samples but unfortunatly adding any of these wouldnt do my strop justice. I've got another sample on order so fingers crossed for this one. I've tried my hardest to only use the very best materials available. So YES when I can find the 'right' stuff, I will use it!!

Would anyone be interested in a wool felt on the opposite side? Makes for an ideal surface to paste up or spray with diamond.

Gruder

07-23-2010, 03:13 PM

Thread moved to vendor corner.

Klarion

07-23-2010, 08:55 PM

Hard wool felt looks like an option that a lot of people are taking these days, even using without any sprays or pastes. Looks really good Ian, I know some of the others had expressed interest. You guys should be pretty happy with the craftsmanship. I think a 2.5" will be very sleek, and sexy.

Tony Miller

07-23-2010, 09:14 PM

Beautiful work Ian! I like the classy style of the caps and the stitching is first class. I am still a fan of your handled strops even more but this too is a nice design.

How about a dual leather strop.....high draw and low draw? or a smooth veg tanned leather for the back component to take a very mild paste? I am still a fan of pastes on leather over cloth.

You will do well with these!

Tony

Harvitz81

07-23-2010, 09:46 PM

Watching this with a lot of interest. Just picked up an Ambrose strop and will probably be looking at one of these in the future. I really like supporting our local members/vendors as they do amazing work and you can really see the effort and detail that go into these.

Great job Ian!

screaming_pig

07-24-2010, 02:28 AM

Thanks for the input Tony, I myself have never used cloth or pastes but I can see the appeal for people. Currently trying to source materials, looking at suppliers from around the world as here in the UK width seems to be an issue with the cotton/linen.

Thanks Joe, glad you like the strop!! Yes it does take quite a while to get the design 'just' right, I've spent many an evening sitting making templates seeing what goes with what. Then there's that moment when you post up some pictures to see the response, I always get that tense feeling to see the reactions!

Well thanks again, and just to let people know nickle silver harware is also an option. Will post up some pics and look at re-organising this thread some how. I think I may open an online photo account so not to crowd this space too much.

leadingedge

07-27-2010, 05:51 AM

Very nice looking strops Ian.

NBT

07-28-2010, 04:27 AM

Well I could not resist getting in on one of these strops. The communication that I have received from Ian has been great, and here are some of the pics of the strop he is making for me. Beautiful work, and I must say...strict attention to detail.
Ian, I can't thank you enough for the continued updates, and I look forward to getting my hands on this strop soon.:thumbup1:
I will update this post when the strop get's here...including pics and review.
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/tree_creeper/STROPPRODUCTION004.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/tree_creeper/STROPPRODUCTION006.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/tree_creeper/STROPPRODUCTION011.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/tree_creeper/STROPPRODUCTION018.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/tree_creeper/STROPPRODUCTION025.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss249/tree_creeper/STROPPRODUCTION028.jpg

screaming_pig

07-28-2010, 07:29 AM

Hi Ken, many thanks for this!!

Just to let you know your strop is now on its way to you!

Seraphim

07-28-2010, 08:43 AM

The stitching is awesome! Also the slight accent swoops on the latigo.....excellent!:001_tt1:

NBT

07-29-2010, 08:26 AM

Hi Ken, many thanks for this!!

Just to let you know your strop is now on its way to you!

Thank you Ian, you have been awesome through this whole process. To be honest you will be my first order outside of the US. One way to bust my cherry I guess...lol.
My razors will appreciate the strop, that's for sure. I look forward to getting it, and giving her a test drive...after a nice conditioning.:biggrin1:

ferroburak

07-30-2010, 02:04 PM

A bit noobish question but where it's good to attach the end pins for stable stretching?

huntmol

07-30-2010, 11:22 PM

That is a GREAT looking strop! Really well done!
I actually prefer the simple look of the D ring

Luc

07-30-2010, 11:37 PM

Those look great, the D ring and attach at the other end look rock solid!!

Klarion

07-31-2010, 09:09 AM

Thank you Ian, you have been awesome through this whole process. To be honest you will be my first order outside of the US. One way to bust my cherry I guess...lol.
My razors will appreciate the strop, that's for sure. I look forward to getting it, and giving her a test drive...after a nice conditioning.:biggrin1:

I'm certainly you'll be very pleased with Ian's strop. I agree with you as well, he was always fantastic to deal with through the whole process (even afterwards).

What size did you get?

NBT

08-05-2010, 09:38 AM

Well I got my strop from Ian. WOW....the pic's do not properly exhibit the fine quality of the strop...it's beautiful. This is 3" X 24"

So the first thing I did was to pull out the razor I shaved with this morning... the Heljestrand "Le Prince" 6/8 "stiff grind" that I purchased off the forum. It is

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/61c2bfe4.jpg

Strop has a consistent, mild draw that is present along the entire length and width of the strop. The Heljestrand does not get bogged down in the strop. The feedback is neither overbearing nor subtle.
The leather is effortlessly pulled taut without any noticeable springiness or stretch and really does put a nice smooth edge on a blade... this is only going to get better with use and time. I am extremely happy with this strop Ian.
Here are a few of the pics...
Thank you for the great service, continued progress, and prompt delivery.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/e3331cfd-1.gif
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/0f7595f5-1.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/0f7595f5-2.jpg

Klarion

08-05-2010, 08:11 PM

Aww, I didn't get a certificate! Looks nice, NBT and Ian. I'm really impressed with my #1, and am still eyeballing the #2. The leather has a really fine, soft finish to it but creates very little drag. Just a nice, smooth stroke.

screaming_pig

08-07-2010, 04:29 AM

Harvitz81

08-15-2010, 09:35 PM

Ah so thats what you look like Ken :biggrin1:
Great to see the strop in action and thank you for a great write up too.
It means a lot that your pleased with the strop and also have taken the time to do this, cant thank you enough :thumbup:

Jessie the certificate was a new idea, just to make the order a little more personal! If you want one for your strop just drop me a pm and its yours :thumbup:

Hi Ian,

Any thoughts on marking your strops with your own logo? Like a Screaming Pig logo or something?

Also, I know you have been looking for cloth material and I was just browsing Tony Miller's site. Turns out he is now supplying various cloths for linen strops. Might take a look:

http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.com/

screaming_pig

08-16-2010, 11:51 AM

Hey Joe,

In a nut shell yes I'm looking in to it at the moment, a stamp is def on the shopping list. I think it will really add the finishing touch. Just in the designing stage at the moment of the stamp as I want it just right!!

As for the linen/cloth material I'm on the case! Thanks for the link but I'm trying to find my own supplier, I'm in talks with a guy here in the UK who can supply just what I'm after, also looking at importing it direct from the manufacturer who's based in China, its turning out to be a long process but I'm nearly there!
So shouldn't be long long before linen is an option. :thumbup:

Harvitz81

08-16-2010, 06:52 PM

NBT

10-16-2010, 07:39 AM

This is just a prelude post to the strop that I just got from Ian...all I can say is this bad boy is second to none. What a fine piece of craftsmanship....just unreal.
I also had Ian build me a knife...and this bad boy is beautiful. So sharp I can shave hair with it....mirror finish...just beautiful.
I will update this thread with pics later today... until then...do yourself a favor...order one of his strops...I can tell you that your not going to regret it once you put your hands on one.

Thanks Ian
:thumbup:

NBT

10-16-2010, 07:45 PM

As promised...pics of the knife and strop. The strop is 24" X 3".
Ian can give you the specifics on the materials used, so I don't get it wrong.
I am extremely happy with all of the items, and I have the above strop...and it's been wonderful. Since I now have 2 triple tanned Ox...this one might have to make a road trip for others to get their hands on, to see how they like it.
Thanks Ian for the great work.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/dfe58a8a.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/74cd1502.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/af48db13.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/91d96cf3.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/0f8156d2.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f106/nothnbutrouble/76bee80f.jpg

screaming_pig

10-17-2010, 02:04 AM

Hey Ken, Really pleased you like the knife and strop!!

Knife specs are:

D2 full Tang Scandi grind blade.
Handle is stabilized Thuya burl with black liners, brass pins and tube.
Sheath is 3mm veg tanned leather hand dyed and stitched.

The strop was Latigo and Ox all rolled in to one!!

Again many thanks Ken, makes all the effort worthwhile just to know your pleased with the end result, and of course enjoy using them!!!

Rossmeister

10-17-2010, 02:03 PM

I just wanted to say that it continually amazes me what modern men (people) can do with the will to manufacture a good product.

It just takes one man, his will and some good tools and materials to blow modern craftsmanship out of the water.

Assembly lines are great, but I mean.. To have stuff tailored to specs and look amazing. You just can't beat it.

domino

10-17-2010, 08:21 PM

That is a beautiful set! I know it looks even better person..:001_smile
Ian I love your work ...:thumbup:
Congratulations to the buyer, enjoy!

Blue58

10-18-2010, 12:00 AM

For the linen component of a strop has anyone considered canvas sailcloth?? You would be able to cut it to the size you wanted and it would be strong but should be reasonably soft.

It should be very easy to find especially there in the UK.

Klarion

10-18-2010, 08:48 PM

Don't think I've ever handled sailcloth. I wish I were able to test out different kinds of fabrics, to match with a strop - esp. hard wool felt. I've got the #1 model of Ian's, and have it oddly paired with a Hess Hair Milk fabric strop.

screaming_pig

11-05-2010, 03:05 AM

More pics of new options coming soon!!

Klarion

11-08-2010, 07:21 PM

Nice. Do these include different leathers and/or fabrics? Or hardware options?

screaming_pig

11-09-2010, 08:43 AM

Nice. Do these include different leathers and/or fabrics? Or hardware options?

Hi Jessie,

New hardware options really, hangers and handles.
Just playing with canvas at the moment, finally found some that fits the bill.

Might start a new thread and list all of the options along side photo's so its not so unorganized like at the moment.

Watch this space!! :w00t:

lz6

11-09-2010, 09:00 AM

Great work, you can feel the love of the craft in both that strop and the beautiful blade. We are very fortunate to still have master craftsman who can make these things happen for us at costs we can afford. Thank you.

domino

11-10-2010, 10:08 PM

Hi Jessie,

New hardware options really, hangers and handles.
Just playing with canvas at the moment, finally found some that fits the bill.

Might start a new thread and list all of the options along side photo's so its not so unorganized like at the moment.

Watch this space!! :w00t:

Oh I am watching!....:thumbup1: