Thread: Table Strop Suggestions?

Hey I have some questions about table strops.

I've got some nerve damage in my left wrist and arm.
So no more shaving with both hands. Also I can't really hold the strop tight so well.
I'm wondering about table strops.
Did some searching of posts but can't seem to find the best option.

Can someone direct me to the thread or perhaps describe to me the best way to build a table strop?

I remember seeing one that Tom has a few years back, leather stretched across giving a perfect bow.. easy to use..
Should probably add cheap to that equation.. hehehe

Thanks a bunch!

I have a table strop that is 12” x 3”. It has rubbery feet at each corner to give it some grip. The leather is a nice black bridle mounted on a 1” thick piece of hardwood. The leather goes right to the edge of the base on all four sides.

I think it cost me $35 five years ago.

The width is great for stropping without having to use an X-stroke and the height of the base and feet make it quite comfortable to use on a bathroom counter.

I think you could take these specs and make one yourself for about the same cost. It’s a great way to recycle a badly nicked vintage strop.

They're called "bench strops". I've got one like our brother to the North, DZEC, describes. I also have "hand issues", similar to what you've described. Bench strops really do the job.

Cheaper to buy, than build.

Chef Knives To Go (CKTG) sells such a base (3" x 11"), for an affordable $19.95 -- https://www.chefknivestogo.com/ristba.html -- other components are available, individually. They also sell a complete "kit" for $55.00 (free shipping on $60 orders)

Straight Razor Designs (SRD) sells a hand-held (one end) (3" x 12") "modular paddle strop" for $89.95, which comes with several stropping components (additional ones are available) --   (free shipping on $75 orders)

I prefer the bench strop, but that's just me. You could buy the CKTG base and individual stropping components from them and/or SRD (you'll have to trim 1" from the SRD stuff).

Hope this helps! (if you have questions, go ahead and PM me)

You can find a variety of bench strops here:

https://classicedge.ca/index.php?rou...tegory&path=38

That’s where I got mine. Phil’s stropping video demonstrate the use of one and how much easier it is to use than a hanging strop.

I should point out that my purchase was in $CAD and that $35 CAD = a lot less in $US.

If you have hanging STROPS save your money. Just lye the Strop on bathroom counter top. Hold one end with one hand Strop on canvas turn Strop over and finish on leather.

Originally Posted by bouschie

If you have hanging STROPS save your money. Just lye the Strop on bathroom counter top. Hold one end with one hand Strop on canvas turn Strop over and finish on leather.

Well, the only problem there is the hanging strop flat on the counter is just a fraction of an inch off the counter and you have to be really careful not to hit the counter with the razor. A bench strop is far easier to use.

I have two I bought many years ago from Tony Miller which I use with diamond paste however plain they would work great. Just realize hanging straps have give to them as you strop. A bench strop has no such give so you have watch the pressure.

Paddle strops can be used also. They are mainly designed for travel but the usually have hollow areas to provide that "give" while stopping.

I dig my Lipshaw strops. Certainly overkill, but the strops can be flipped-over or changed out quickly as-desired.



I use them for progressive stropping after honing at the shop.

There is one by my bedside on a custom mount. If I am feeling particularly lazy, I just sit-up and strop.
I typically alternate hanging strops pre-shave, but sometimes I just use the Lipshaw.
They all get it the day after the shave before putting the razor away.



And NO! I don't strop in my sleep........I think?

What im getting from this thread, is that a paddle or bench strop is leather laying on a hard surface. So no give in the strop. But, shouldnt there be some give? A piece of leather strop mounted on a wood block with rubber feet or bubber strip under it to keep it from sliding would work? Or should it be stretched in a way to hold it up off the base a little so its suspended above base just a little? I think that is what im seeing on Toms strop.

I ha e a piece of leather and was thinking of making one of these myself. I will be watch.

There is some black foam between the wood and the strop.
Earlier ones have felt there. A little 'give'.

Like a craft foam? How thick is it? I was thinking a bit of craft foam would be nice but its only about an 1/16 inch thick. Was thinking two layers of craft foam under the leather might work nicely. But it was all just ideas.
Hope your paying attension Mike T. I think this would be easy to make. If you have some leather already.