Kangaroo leather strops

[JPAU]

Anyone who has spoken to me about sharpening or followed my attempts to learn will have heard me singing the praises of kangaroo leather. It’s tough and thin, not spongy like most cow hide. Ideal for maintaining the edge geometry.

I’m sure you could load it up but it’s not necessary. Takes the final edge after a progression to the next level and restores a keen edge with remarkable effectiveness.

I’m commissioning a custom strip to specs that fit into a stone holder (~200-210mm x 50-70mm) and I am thinking of getting a batch of double sided kangaroo leather strops made in anticipation that others might also want one, if there is enough interest. The price will be around $70-80 (depending on payment platform - I do not want to lose money / subsidise others because of PP fees, so will reflect this in the price) plus shipping (probably ~20-30USD). (They make excellent gifts, by the way)

Please message me if you’re interested and we will see whether it is a viable project.

 

[Legion74]

I used to make roo strops, mostly hanging ones for razors, but the occasional bench strop, which seemed to be popular for the knife and tool guys in Scandinavia at the time.

Tell us more about the type of roo leather you're sourcing for the project? The tough part is finding hides that are tanned correctly, and free enough from flaws that you can make strops without wasting too much material.

 

[Uncle Danny]

We have black kangaroo leather in Denmark for cheap. Don’t know why, but it’s almost free and you can make a boatload of strops out of one piece 🤷‍♂️

 

[JPAU]

I used to make roo strops, mostly hanging ones for razors, but the occasional bench strop, which seemed to be popular for the knife and tool guys in Scandinavia at the time.

Tell us more about the type of roo leather you're sourcing for the project? The tough part is finding hides that are tanned correctly, and free enough from flaws that you can make strops without wasting too much material.

I’m not an expert but it’s tanned, thin, extremely tough and durable and seems to be the bees knees even compared to some others I’ve tried from less artisanal makers. I’ve asked the distributor for more details and can message you if you’re interested in buying one.

 

[JPAU]

We have black kangaroo leather in Denmark for cheap. Don’t know why, but it’s almost free and you can make a boatload of strops out of one piece 🤷‍♂️

I’ll count you out then haha.

If anyone else wants one, I’m going to place the order in the coming days. Please message me and let me know so that we can make arrangements.

 

[JPAU]

Have a number of people wanting one. Going to leave this open for another 48 hours and then finalise the order. Please let me know if you would like one! Larger the order, the lower the per unit price!

 

[JPAU]

One buyer fell through - I have two remaining at reduced price. If anyone wants one, please send me a DM.

 

[JPAU]

Thanks everyone! These are sold out!

 

[JPAU]

Due to some unexpected circumstances, I have a couple of extras on the way. Message me if interested!

 

[Dakota Day Trader]

I'm interested in one.

Can anyone that has one of these comment on the quality of them?

Feel free to send me a message if you don't want to post here.

Thanks!

 

[JPAU]

If you happen to have one, please do give @Dakota Day Trader your feedback!

I only have one left though, so please get in touch if you want it.

 

[JPAU]

Ordered a few extras to satisfy some latent and emerging demand. Will be my last batch for a while. Have 3 left if anyone wants one. Please feel free to message me.

 

[JPAU]

Still have a couple!

 

[Martyfish]

This thread tempts me every time that I see it pop up.

@JPAU what were the final dimensions of the strop, including height?

Can anyone who has purchased one comment on the quality?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JPAU]

Quite a few are out in the wild, including with some top tier knife makers and polishers. I have received very positive feedback but I am not going to spruik or call on anyone to promote them. But I know a couple of people who would be happy for you to contact them privately and they can give you their take if that is helpful.

I am not near a ruler presently but will get back to you with exact dimensions.

 

[JPAU]

The ones that I have currently are ~59-60mm x 205mm and fit beautifully in a stone holder if that’s your thing.

This thread tempts me every time that I see it pop up.

@JPAU what were the final dimensions of the strop, including height?

Can anyone who has purchased one comment on the quality?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Legion74]

Could we get at least one picture please?

 

[JPAU]

Absolutely! I should have posted one before but I thought they’d sold out and it was no longer necessary. See below. There’s not much to them. If there’s anything that you want to see or have me clarify in particular, please feel free to message me.

 

[JPAU]

One left.

Would there be any interest in paddle strops?

 

[JPAU]

Paddle strops will be made (thanks to a particularly keen member who wanted and commissioned one). I have a few people who have expressed interest. Let me know if you want in. will finalise the order in the next day or two!

 

[billybunka]

Allow me to preface this review by saying that I’m no expert in strops and I’ve only ever seen a kangaroo in a zoo so not sure on the varrying qualities of their leather. With that in mind I am very satisfied with this purchase. I work long weeks in a fast paced restaurant and tend to run through my edges fairly quickly. I desperately needed a way to maintain my pretty takadas without resorting to a rod. I do have a large (heavy) cow leather strop at home but seeing as this weighs a quarter the weight and fits in a stone holder I find it rather perfect for me. As I have only used it a few times I can’t speak to the differences between the two strops but I can say it works! Hope this helps, maybe they are already sold out…
Cheers,
Billy

 

[JPAU]

Off to do some parcel posting today, after a week of being very unwell indeed. Will offer a good price to the purchaser of the last bench strop for saving my disease-weary body another trip ... please shoot me a message if interested!

 

[JPAU]

Anyone else want a paddle strop? Almost at a threshold where I can do a bulk buy and a more attractive price!

 

[JPAU]

Last call for paddle strops! They’re not excellent quality!

 

[cooktocut]

They’re not excellent quality!

We need to work on your sales pitch 😂

 

[Uncle Danny]

I was like, hey at least he’s being honest 😂

 

[JPAU]

Hahaha typo - and whoever has messaged me knows that they’re not uncommon… but hopefully the positive reviews and appearances on instagram stories etc. speak louder than my clumsy posts! Down to the last couple of paddles if anyone wants one!

 

[Blumbo]

For those on the fence, these are definitely worth it! The leather feels more tactile/grippy than my other strops and leaves a more aggressive edge with just 1-2 strokes on either side.

 

[the_jest]

Just got my strop from @JPAU and want to confirm what others here have said: it's beautiful, well made, lightweight, and just the right size. I'm a noob at sharpening so I won't waste the time writing some lyrical description of how well it works, but from my perspective it seems to work...well. Highly recommended to anyone considering it!

 

[JPAU]

Grateful for the reviews (both here and elsewhere in the forum, and on Instagram). I am glad people are enjoying them. I have one or two left, if someone wants one!