Making a cowhide strop

[OpusX]

I "maintained" (poorly) that razor using lapping film on a piece of tile, another $20

This is how I am working currently as well (Reprofiling an edge (aka fixing a chip)) and feel it is working out quite well at this time. As you've outlined, the barrier to entry is not as high in cost or skill as many (including myself) think. I am quite sure this will progress into owning stones and the like. I am already thinking about how I want to add a linen strop to the mix, but that will be another thread .

 

[Spider]

Here’s the cowhide strop I made a few years back. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on a strop being a beginner, who would likely cut and ruin it. My homemade strop has a few dings, but has held up well, and I haven’t totally ruined it, yet.