My first posting

Greetings,

I've been wanting to own and use a straight razor for years. My wife recently gave me a nice, new Dovo. And my uncle loaned me his father's very old leather strop, which has not been used in many, many years. I wondered if the old strop was still usable; it has some knicks on it. I've attached some photos to show it's condition. Should I treat it or condition it with something, or just use it as is? Will the knicks hurt the nice new blade? This will be my first time attemting to strop.

Thank you for any advice you have to give,

micah

Looks like a good strop, rub a small amount ie: three/four drops of neatsfoot oil in with your hands to bring back the supple texture if it is dry and stiff. Repeat if needed in a few days.

Welcome to SRP.

That strop has soon some days, huh? The leather can probably be cleaned--try some saddle soap and a damp cloth, then a little neetsfoot oil to soften it. The linen...hmm. I wouldn't, those frays can spread, and bad news can ensue.

Enjoy!