I'm considering using an alum tanned hide for making leather strops - barber style. I've never used it before, usually I use a veg tanned hide. Does anyone have an opinion on whether alum would work?
Thanks,
Keith
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The only difference I see is that usually the Vegetable tanned skins are impregnated on the grain (epidermal side) to provide a glazed smooth surface. It's usually some kind of parrafin type of impregnation. It also is a "stuffing" type material to add bulk to the straps.
The problem with the Alum tannage is getting such a surface - but not using heat to do it. Otherwise it could possibly do a good job.