Well, well, well... imagine my surprise when I stumble upon the fact that back in the days, some folks were stropping on fungus!
source: http://freespace.virgin.net/mikea.walton/cooke/cook04.htm
A very familiar species (P. squamosus) of those having a lateral stem is found on almost every decayed ash, and sometimes on other trees. […] Select a large tough specimen, and after drying it carefully, cut it into shape, and employ it as a razor strop. A person who has had one in use for many years, says that it is far superior to the majority of those offered for sale. Another Polyporus (P. betulinus), without a stem, and not uncommonly found growing on birch-trees, is equally available for the same purpose.
source: http://www.artistconk.com/Documents/Mushroom_Lore.pdf (page 29)
Birch Polypore
At one time, Birch Polypore was commonly known as “Razor Strop Fungus”.
To make a razor strop with Birch Polypore, find a sturdy strip of fabric or a thinner piece of leather, about two feet long and approximately as wide as a belt. Slice dried Birch Polypores into even one-eighth or one-quarter inch slices and lay them tightly together over and perpendicular to the strip (like railroad ties, but without the spacing). Now glue the slices in place with a strong adhesive and wait for the strop to dry. If the surface of the strop is not flat, you should smooth it out with sandpaper and possibly a sharp knife as well. When finished, a blade can be re-sharpened by briskly dragging the knife’s cutting edge over the strop (like buttering bread, but with greater energy and precision).
a slightly different version:
http://www.kamimoku.com/kanbatake.htmlThe "kanbatake" is a polypore growing on birches. Its is known as the "piptoporus betulinus", or birch polypore. In ancient European cultures, the birch was known as the tree of life and fertility.
An interesting feature of this polypore is that in many European countries, especially England and Northern Europe, it is known as the razor-strop fungus. It used to be dried, nailed on a wall, and utilized as a razor strop.
But the most interesting feature is certainly that "Oetzi", the neolithic (3,200 BC) iceman found near an Alpine glacier on the Italian-Austrian border, wore two necklaces, with pieces of this piptoporus srtung on them. Scientists speculate that "Oetzi" was using this polypore either as a razor-strop or for its medicinal purposes: as an antibiotic, it contains "styptic", which helps to stop bleeding.
I'm amazed.... Plus, the mental image of someone stropping on a piece of mushroom is quite funny! Am I late in finding this out, or is this unheard of?
Raphael
