I have used tallow based soaps to increase draw. Now-a-days I prefer less draw. Just a preference.
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I have used tallow based soaps to increase draw. Now-a-days I prefer less draw. Just a preference.
It's interesting how tastes and opinions change with time and experience. I think I prefer more draw because it slows you down a bit. While I'm still trying to ensure I'm doing everything correctly, slow is a good thing. I imagine once I'm more experienced, and confident with what works and what doesn't, I'll want to pick up the pace a bit, and less draw may begin to be more appealing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slurryer
I use a leather balsam called "Renapur" on my leather products. It's a waxy type of product that conditions and waterproofs in one go. Having said that I'm not sure how it would go on a strop, I'd use very very sparingly if I did but if you prefer a nice slow draw then it would be right up your alley :)
For my current strop I only really rubbed my sweaty hands up and down it... that was prep enough as the oils in your skin can work, or so I have read somewhere on here.
Also, newspaper works a real treat if you can't get your hands on a strop in the short term. I actually use the newspaper frequently in addition to my leather strop, maybe once a fortnight or so. Real Estate pages from the local rag are great due their combination of typed words and full colour pictures.
For strops neatsfoot oil is generally used. Just a drop or two on your palm rubbed evenly over the entire strop.
I also prefer some draw but have some kangaroo tail stuck to balsa that is as quick as anything, once you get used to it then it becomes normal. A quick rub with the oil from your arm conditions the leather and clears it of any contaminants that could settle on the leather.