Thread: Old strop - is it usable

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and this is my first post after my intro. I have completed one shave, so I have everything I need, except maybe a good strop. I got an old used one, which I would not have otherwise done had I discovered this site first. Anyway, I have restored it as best I can and I'm not sure if it is usable or not. I suspect the answer will be to get a new one, if you can even tell from my mediocre photos.

Let's see if I can figure out how to post some before and after photos...







I didn't think to take before photos until after I had started sanding, but I didn't get too far when I remembered. I also never took a before pic of the linen.

I did a light sanding until the surface was relatively flat and smooth, but there are a couple of deeper grooves that I couldn't address. After sanding, I cleaned it with saddle soap and oiled it with Neatsfoot oil. The next day I hit it with mink oil. For the next couple of days I hand rubbed and "massaged" it. I tried to strop with it yesterday before my shave, but it was difficult to pull the razor across the surface, even with very light pressure. Maybe I need give the oils more time?

So, here are some pics of what it looks like now:



Attachment 280533







I tried to capture some of the worst spots in the photos. Nothing stands proud of the surface, and nothing catches when I pull the razor across, but I don't know if I'm doing more harm to the razor than good, or just not doing any good at all.

So, what do you think? Should I just get a new strop?

Thanks for looking.

Looks OK.
I would test and worry it with an old razor. One of my kitchen knives has
a nice clean and straight back that I use to worry a strop from time to time.
I have applied too much strop dressing in the past and scraping it off with
that kitchen knife works for me. I have other kitchen knives that do not
work so one size does not fit all.

Do wipe the razor with a pinch of TP-tissue to remove any cruft I see.

It looks just as good, if not better, as my well used strops! I think it will work fine.

Thanks for the replies.

From the context, I can guess, but to be sure, what do "worry" and "cruft" mean? I searched, but couldn't find an answer.

Originally Posted by vanacres

Thanks for the replies.

From the context, I can guess, but to be sure, what do "worry" and "cruft" mean? I searched, but couldn't find an answer.

I never heard those terms either.
It looks like you have done a good job. I could recommend rubbing it with your palm before and after stropping.
Just use it. Should not hurt a thing

Looks good enough to use until you get around to replacing it with something new.
If you feel the dressing on the leather, I was told newspaper helps to take off the excess. Just rub it a bunch. I've never done this with newspaper because I was afraid of the ink getting on my strop.
I'd give it a few weeks to soak in all the dressing you have used on it. But if its not slick or too much dressing then go for it. The dressing can cause a bit more draw. But after its worked in or off then it should mellow out a bit. Sharptonn knows strops more than me so if he said its good then you are in good hands.

Good job on restoring and old strop!

Originally Posted by vanacres

I did a light sanding until the surface was relatively flat and smooth, but there are a couple of deeper grooves that I couldn't address. After sanding, I cleaned it with saddle soap and oiled it with Neatsfoot oil. The next day I hit it with mink oil. For the next couple of days I hand rubbed and "massaged" it. I tried to strop with it yesterday before my shave, but it was difficult to pull the razor across the surface, even with very light pressure. Maybe I need give the oils more time?

Sounds like you used too much oil. You should have tested it after the saddle soap.
Thread here with lots of advice that may help :
http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...atsfoot-3.html

I can't speak to the draw, but those "after" photos look very nice! As you are just starting out, it's hard to tell if you've used too much oil, or if it's just that you're not used to stropping. The draw can be very different from strop to strop. Leaving it out in the air to cure wouldn't hurt in any case. Good luck with it!

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Sounds like you used too much oil. You should have tested it after the saddle soap.
Thread here with lots of advice that may help :
http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...atsfoot-3.html

I think I probably did use a little too much oil. Certainly not as much as the guy in that thread, ha! I just tried stropping on it again, and the draw seems a bit better today. I probably won't shave again until next weekend, so maybe by then it will be even better.

Thanks much for the reply.