Thread: Aberdeen imported Scotch Shell strop

So won this. It is in great almost NOS condition. Has anyone used one, if so did you like it? I'm liking the leather side.

The linen side I'm curious of. It seems to have something added to it. It is very stiff. I have read that some vintage linens were this way. Does anyone know if they came pre-treated with something? Is it just age? Should I leave it and use it to break it in or follow cleaning instructions?

Thank you for your time and knowledge!



Enjoy the day,
Benson

Lots were impregnated with wax for some reason. It gets grungy and holds mold and crud.
I have boiled them several times, changing the water to get it out. Some oxyclean boils after the wax seems to be out.
They come out quite clean after a while. Even a bit of bleach in the boiling water helps.
Just roll it up in a saucepan.....Don't use the good pan! Then, you can steam iron it after it dries if you like.

Oh, it usually takes the printing off or fades it.

Ok thank you sharptonn!


Enjoy the day,
Benson

yea some were charged with a chalk like substance too. You can tell when you wash it and it is soaking the water will turn white. Plenty of hot water and detergent and a scrub brush and it will look like new.

I've had scotch shell strops, not that brand though. They are quality strops for sure.

I have a c-mon deluxe strop that was NOS when I got it. Linen side is treated with wax. Seems to me it was intentional by the manufacturer. I have used it several times and it has been no problem for the blades I've used to with. Possibly has even bumped up the keenness of the edge. I like the treated linen on my vintage strop. Maybe try it with a user grade razor before you wash it. See if you like it also.

I have a few like it I left alone, but they were clean and in good shape.
The ones I had like the OP's are the ones I cleaned.
Seems you will never get it all out, but they certainly look nicer as they are cleaned-up a bit!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have a few like it I left alone, but they were clean and in good shape.
The ones I had like the OP's are the ones I cleaned.
Seems you will never get it all out, but they certainly look nicer as they are cleaned-up a bit!

Wow that is a huge difference. Did you notice a difference between cleaned and left alone? I love those CMON's. I have one but it's in pretty bad shape. I dream of finding one in that condition.


Enjoy the day,
Benson

To me, they strop much nicer without all the wax in. They seem stiff before.
I feel it is just that, a 'feel'. Must be some reason they did it. Still quite effective.
I lost all the nice graphics on the fabric doing this. As out of the boil, I scraped it with a spatula and tons came off. I just could not strop on a nasty surface....

Ok thank you. That is an amazing strop you have there. How does one get their hands on one? Luck?


Enjoy the day,
Benson

That and money!

I think it is like most all vintage strops. How it was stored, etc.
As in this one, the strop was unused, but the fabric needed help. It was dirty, bumpy and lumpy before and clean, nice and smooth after. Still has the stuff in it. Just seemed to get the bad part out?
It seems the graphics were printed-on after the wax was applied. Came right off.

No regrets in doing it. Just me.