How to Make a Strop

A strop has long been the preferred method of sharpening fine edges such as that of a shaving razor blade. A traditional strop is a narrow length of leather with one end attached to a stationary object while the opposite end is held. The cutting edge is swept back and forth along the length of the strop for sharpening. Shorter strops are also made with the use of a thin piece of wood and are used to sharpen a variety of knives and cutting tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Thin wood strip
  • Leather
  • Craft glue
  • Popsicle stick
  • Brick
  • Craft knife
  • Rubbing compound
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a 12-inch long by 4-inch wide piece of thin wood on a work surface. Use plywood, for example, as it is thin and commonly available.

    • 2

      Apply a thin coat of white craft glue to the side of the wood facing up. Place a 1/8-inch thick piece of leather on the glued board. Position the leather with the rough side up. Smooth the leather with the long edge of a Popsicle stick.

    • 3

      Turn the leather side of the board down. Place a brick on the upward facing back side of the board for weight. Leave the craft glue to dry for at least three hours.

    • 4

      Remove the brick from the board. Trim the excess leather extending from the edges of the board with a craft knife. Cut along the edge of the board with the knife to remove the excess leather.

    • 5

      Turn the leather side of the board facing up on the work surface. Dip a dime-sized amount of rubbing compound with the end of the Popsicle stick. Work the compound into the entire surface of the leather strop.