Thread: Is black film on the spine normal?

Because of the oil and way layer on Latigo strops, they are known for leeching as this layer wears off in use initially with a new stop. The dye and the leeching can easily be wiped off and brushed off. After you get past this layer, the strop normally develops a heavy draw. Some have used small amounts of neats foot oil to help hasten the process. Rubbing the palm of your hand over the strop until your palm feels warm will also hasten the process and break the strop in nicely.

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