Thread: Ebay Strop

Hey guys, I just bought an Illinois strop off ebay, I havn't gotten it yet but it looked to be in pretty good condition. I was just wondering what the best way to clean the leather and linen side would be? Could I use regular soap or do I need something special? thanks!

People use saddle soap, Lexol, Neatsfoot oil, Goop (automotive store), Bick, Blue Magic, Kiwi - and I guess whatnot.

I haven't tried them all. Actually - I have only tried Blue Magic leather cleaner. Worked OK but who knows - I can't compare.

Ebay strops can be a handful. Some are fabulous, others are disastrous

Good luck
Ivo

That 'Goop' stuff seems to work wonders with leather.

Just rub the goop onto the leather?? It won't damage it? What about the linen side? Thanks guys!

The strop I bought is an Illinois Razor Strop Co. model 6454. Anybody know anything about this model? It does say shell on it so does that mean its horse hide? I hope I got a good deal, only paid $22 for it.

Sounds like a decent deal for an Illinois, depending on the size.

I got my first strop off Ebay too. Use any leather cleaner you like on the leather portion, then condition it. Neats Foot Oil is a good conditioner, but any leather conditioner will do really. The linen side is just that linen. Wash it in good ole soap and water. Make sure to lay them both flat for a day or two to properly dry before attempting to strop. If the leather portion has any nicks in it you can use a pumice stone to help smooth it out, just do not get too aggressive. Test it out on a little spot first to be safe.

Thanks for the info everybody!