handmade strop design #2...come take a peek!!

[screaming_pig]

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

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

[gaj90027]

Very nice!

[kg4ghn]

Awesome work!!

[domino]

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

[jkh]

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]

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]

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]

Thread moved to vendor corner.

[Klarion]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Very nice looking strops Ian.

[NBT]

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.
I will update this post when the strop get's here...including pics and review.

[screaming_pig]

Hi Ken, many thanks for this!!

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

[Seraphim]

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

[NBT]

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.

[ferroburak]

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

[huntmol]

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

[Luc]

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