Thread: Is Leather, just Leather?

I wouldn't apply it heavily - just enough and only when needed. To be frank, I have half a litre of the stuff downstairs I bought about 6 years ago that hasn't been touched.

James.

Originally Posted by Whipstitch

Is it recommended somewhere to heavily apply neatsfoot oil to strops? In my experience, applying too much will ruin an otherwise good piece of leather real quick

No, it is not recommended to heavily apply Neatsfoot oil to a strop for the reason you mentioned. A little dab will do ya if you think the leather needs it.

Bob

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I wouldn't apply it heavily - just enough and only when needed. To be frank, I have half a litre of the stuff downstairs I bought about 6 years ago that hasn't been touched.

James.

I have some also. For my boots. I've soaked some of my ebass dried out horn scales in it to rehydrate them.at least now I can use it more than once a year !

Actually, does it go off? I wasn't exaggerating when I said it has been sitting in a bottle for 6 years. I wonder whether I should just throw it away.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Actually, does it go off? I wasn't exaggerating when I said it has been sitting in a bottle for 6 years. I wonder whether I should just throw it away.


James.

I guess it might depending on how it is stored. OTH I had been using the last of the Neatsfoot oil that been around for about 40 years since I was a kid and we had some horses. Finally got a new jug that my survivors could probably still be able to use.

Bob

I guess I should clarify. 2 Tablespoons worth for a big daddy strop once. The leather sucked it right up. It is a Michigan drill before each winter. Apply neatsfeet to all leather goods especially the stuff that is going outside yearly. The strop only got applied once and it reduced/lightened the draw significantly. So yes I understand how too much could ruin a strop. It is mandatory for outdoor gear here, well if you want your leather to last any length of time.

I have only used 5 different strops in the past 7 plus years but I would say that the Kanayama #3 was much like the first time I ever had a perfectly grilled Pittsburgh Rare Steak. Uniquely satisfying. Use what you like I say.

There is junk stuff that is no good.
Once you have quality strop there is a difference between them, but it's not dramatic or is very dramatic, that's a matter of personal scale. Just like the Toyota and Lexus or may be BMW and Audi.

To some people the premium to get one of the most expensive strops (or razors, or anything else) is worth it, to others it isn't. Just like some people think it's worth paying for 30 year old premier cru, others think it isn't, yet others simply can't afford it regardless of what they think.

One thing that is certain is that for say $50 or so you can get a perfectly good strop that will do the job well for as long as you, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren don't destroy it by abusing it.

Originally Posted by ultrasoundguy2003

I guess I should clarify. 2 Tablespoons worth for a big daddy strop once. The leather sucked it right up. It is a Michigan drill before each winter. Apply neatsfeet to all leather goods especially the stuff that is going outside yearly. The strop only got applied once and it reduced/lightened the draw significantly. So yes I understand how too much could ruin a strop. It is mandatory for outdoor gear here, well if you want your leather to last any length of time.

2 tablespoons is a lot. it's actually a huge amount. Neatsfoot is very penetrating and will absorb as much as you put in and is deceiving because of that. I usually literally wet my fingers with the stuff and then work it in along the entire strop. I probably only use a few drops and it does the job.

I agree with Gugi.

If you think, feel, intuit or some way tell there is a refinement and improvement in the shave by using a higher priced device then the price is justified.

OTOH

If the shave is the same TO YOU regardless of the expense then the money spent on a costly device is wasted income.

Just my $00.02.

Dave