Thread: Breaking in a New Strop.

How do you do it?

I have seen some posts about applying oil, classic shaving says to use a pumice stone and stiff lather (not sure what the term stiff adds to it), and there might be some other ideas out there. Is there one way that is clearly the best? Also how often do you "condition" it, and is conditioning just using a strop conditioner?

(Newby here sory for the basic question)

Depending on your strop you may want to do different things. Jemicos all seem to have a brushed finish and a nice feel just as they arrive. Other are very smooth like mine and pumicing may not be the best thing for them. I suggest rubbing them briskly with the palm of the hand before each use and for that matter anytime you walk by it. This slowly softens and conditions it. After a week of so of use mine will relax a bit, using Neat's Foot Oil will make that happen faster but I like the feel of them without it as much as with it. I never treated any of the Jemicos I used but did condition the Illinois strops I owned.

Less is better in my opinion as you can always do more but you can'y really go back to easily.

I'm sure others will jump in with their own tips and tricks.

Tony

I just rubbed a little mink oil into mine and waited for it to dry. That was two years ago. Seems to be doing fine still. That might be because I rub my palm over it regularly to keep it oily, but I'll probably top it up again soon.

X

Old Eboy strops usually require some conditioning but new strops rarely do. I have a vintage Double Duck #30 which I got still in its wrappings and it had a real brushed feel to it but it broke in by itself real fast. I just received one of Tony's Horeshide strops today and I don't think it requires any kind of treatment at all before use. Its a fantastic strop by the way for anyone contemplating getting one. The workmanship is exemplery.

Originally Posted by xman

I just rubbed a little mink oil into mine and waited for it to dry. That was two years ago. Seems to be doing fine still. That might be because I rub my palm over it regularly to keep it oily, but I'll probably top it up again soon.

X

Better be careful X or you'll go blind!