Thread: strop -- dry or oiled?

Just curious what the general concensus is .. got a new stop.. use as is? (dry)
or apply 'conditioning oil' / 'olive oil' / 'mineral oil' / etc? I've even seen rubbing
it down with your hands to get 'hand oil' on there.

Thoughts?
(if the answer is conditioned, anything around the house I could use? ie mineral
oil, etc.. )

Thanks.

It can depend on the strop. Did the manufacturer give you any recommendations/instructions on you should do? Most strops are good to go as is, though some people like to condition them so as to make the strop feel the way they like strops to feel draw-wise.

Try it, see how it goes, rub it with your palm before each use. You won't hurt it.

James.

Nope, no instructions.. I got the Premier 3" Latigo, pride of the Amish:
Amazon.com: Premier Strop Co. 3" Black Latigo with Handle: Health & Personal Care

I've tried the palm thing, can't really say I saw much difference. Maybe my hands
aren't that oily. Thing about applying oils is.. well I imagine one couldn't go back.

I went with the 3" strop from Invisible Edge. I had this exact discussion with Steve from IE and his view was that it wasn't necessary. Although if it starts to try out, a little oil (not sure what time) would help condition it. However, until that time, I'm using mine without anything on it.

I used baby oil ( a couple of table spoons) it didn't effect the
draw of my 6 mm thick cow hide strop. But sometimes it can. But for me it softened it up a treat I haven't oiled it since. Good luck

I have been pleasantly impressed by a trick I learned on this site; a quick light stroke with the brush and some shaving lather on to the strap. I have a few different kinds strops and for each of them it gives a nice draw feeling. It is now part of my morning routine, just like the alum block after shaving. Just a bit, and you can wipe of any excess with a towel when done.

New stops need no oil. If they start to dry out oil from your palm or some conditioner can be used very sparingly. Stay away from any organic oil those can become rancid over time.

I have a Fromm strop which I put the Fromm strop conditioner on. It is now pretty tacky and soft and offers a little resistance when stropping. I use this one after I hit the linen, and then move to a custom strop similar to this guy 2 1/2" Old No.2 Artisan European Steerhide Strop that has a very very smooth and slick surface for finishing. My point is if you condition your strop, depending on the kind, it can make it more tacky which may or may not be what you are looking for. It has worked out great for me so far.

I just bought a strop from Tony Miller and have no intention of giving it any special attention other than rubbing it with the clean palm of my hand to help speed up the break in process.
I have read here about using facial oils on a strop. The reasoning being that skin oil would be as natural as you could get.

I just use strop conditioner on mine And it works great! I would stay away from olive oils like some of the other guys said as it might turn rancid.