Easily make a pasted balsa strop

This article contains descriptions by users of SRP for making a pasted balsa strop.

Backpacker's pasted strop

I just finished making a homemade balsa strop and thought I'd post here since it's so easy. I did this because I'm a newbie who has blown the budget for a while and can't buy one and also because it's so dead easy that even I, who have zero craftsman abilities, could do. Hopefully I can figure out how to get the pictures to post on here.

This literally requires 6 things. A porch or stair spindle from Home Depot ($2), a piece of Balsa from a craft store ($3), something to make one small 2" straight cut, a utility knife, glue, and some sand paper. I saw the spindle at Home Depot and noticed that if cut in half it would make a great base for the paddle and had a nice looking handle built right in! I simply cut the spindle in half, cut some balsa to fit the end, glued it on and sanded it to lap it flat. Cost about $5 and took about 10 minutes. See results below. The last picture is what the spindle looks like together.

• Making the strop
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Slartibartfast's pasted strop

Materials needed:

• Some type of solid backer, i cut a piece of 12x12 tile i had laying around.
• Balsa: You can find this at most hobby stores.
• Some kind of glue
• Clamps or something heavy to set on top once everything is glued down.

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  Materials I used

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  I use clamps, a heavy object will work too once you glue to 2 pieces together

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  Make a grid on the balsa so you can lap it flat.

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  Use a figure 8 or x-pattern until the marks are gone. You may want to wipe down the balsa with a damp towel afterwards.

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  Mix the Chromium Oxide (CrO) powder with some mineral oil

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  Much easier to spread now

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  Draw an X pattern and then spread

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  What it looks like spread out. Note: this may be a little thick....

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  Why I wear gloves when applying CrO

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  Mark your pasted strop to avoid confusion later