Thread: Mystery Of The Ever Dull Blade

I have used tallow based soaps to increase draw. Now-a-days I prefer less draw. Just a preference.

Originally Posted by Steel

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.

Originally Posted by Slurryer

What oil do you use? I have one strop that was given to me that is abut 1/4" thick and very very stiff. It also has a few valleys in the leather on one end. I'm thinking about making a paddle strop out of it, but not sure how to prep it.

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.