Thread: Old strop!!!!

Thanks definitely will posts pics

Well gents here it is restored to almost original condition seems my dad may have treated it some years ago so it wasn't completely stiff the leather, so I used some sand paper to smooth some of the ruff spots ,ssaddle soap & a little neatsfoot oil as far as the linen I did as you guys said some laundry detergent warm water some light scrubbing with a brush & it came out beautiful let it dry over night I also used some metal polish on the hanger part there are a few nicks I couldn't sand out on the leather not sure if I can fix that but I think my grandfather would be happy to see this if he was still alive thanks to all who helped me out restoring this family heirloom I posted 2 pics of the nicks in leather any thoughts on how to fix them

Heck yeah, nice work that's something to be proud of. I was hoping to find some of my grandfather's old shaving stuff but sounds like it's all gone. Have fun, what a awesome thing to have.

Nice job, I would not worry about the nicks, if you can feel them fill with rubber cement.

The color will even out as the oil absorbs into the leather. It can take weeks and may need more oil. And can take months to fully treat an old strop, adding a little at a time.

That strop turned out real nice!

As for the two tiny nicks... You should see my dads last barbers strop! It's 75 plus years old and there's waay more nicks in it than I would accept on one of my own strops, but it hung on his barber chair until they weren’t allowed to do traditional straight razor shaves. One of the nicks in particular, on the edge of the strop, would catch the spine of the razor a bit, so I just sanded it gently to break the sharp edges of the nick... now I hardly feel it while stropping.

I would not bother fixing those nicks unless you feel them during stropping, in which case just smooth out any sharp edges with some sand paper and that's all she needs, except for daily use of course.

I'll keep my dads old strop for special shaves, the other 5 I have are still my daily drivers, but only because they can be replaced, not because they are any better.

Regards

Christian

Old strop came out looking Good Bats, congrats.

Care of a vintage strop is different than a new strop, as it will have dried out and need re-hydrating.

Paddle strop also could use moisturizing, you can add oil over Chrome Oxide it will absorb into the leather and not affect the Chrome Oxide, just wait a day or two to use.

The biggest problem with 2 sided paddle strops is contamination, picking up debris as you lay it down. Find a box or make a paper or cardboard sleeve to protect the strop face.

Here is a link to a great post on strop maintenance by Kevin, Hides to Art, Leather 101 on Razor & Stone, make sure to go all the way to page 6.

It looks like there are some light streaks on the strop, is that because it's nicked or is it due to it's age?

Get some BALLISTOL. It will work on all your leather and metal projects! Gander Mountain now carries it. Check out their web site.

Slawman

Old thread, but I oiled my last strop long ago. Too much and it is a mess. Hard to get it even without overdoing it and you can NEVER get it out.
Bick 4 leather conditioner, in the middle there....Rub it in, repeat as-necessary.