Thread: Reconditioning-rechalking Irish linen

I picked up a vintage Russian strop. Almost 1/4" thick. It has Irish Linen canvas as well. The linen is intact but is quite dirty. The end of the linen is no longer stitched which is kind of neat in that it reveals that the linen is actually a seamless canvas "hose". Looking at the inside, the linen there is pristine of course and is a rich honey brown. Clearly the outer used sides were chalked.

Does anyone know how the chalk was actually applied or what it was mixed with when these were still manufactured? It had to have some sort of carrier medium, almost waxy?

Is there a way to clean the linen without getting it wet that wouldn't compromise the tight weave and the even surface? Although I'm only speculating that it would be possible to try to turn the entire linen strop inside out and then either use the inside unchalked or chalk the inside for an NOS Irish linen strop (nice!).

Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

Chris L

Usually the chalk was part of a greasy paste that made application easy. If you don't want to get it wet ask your local dry cleaner.

Yes, the surface definitely feels waxy/greasy. I have about 3 teaspoons of dry yellow coticule powder I saved from lapping some of my coticules. I wonder if I mixed that with some Gesso that's used to prime painter's canvas if that would work for linen strops.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chrisl

Yes, the surface definitely feels waxy/greasy. I have about 3 teaspoons of dry yellow coticule powder I saved from lapping some of my coticules. I wonder if I mixed that with some Gesso that's used to prime painter's canvas if that would work for linen strops.Chris L

I would not use that. Just suppose a couple of larger particles from the lapping stone or sandpaper got into the powder they might damage the edge of your razor. I have been toying with the idea, but never carried it out, to put some slurry on a strop and use that on a linen strop.

It's certainly possible that diamonds could be dislodged from my GDLP, but unlikely. I only use that for lapping. I never thought of taking that linen strop to a dry cleaner. That's a good idea.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chrisl

It's certainly possible that diamonds could be dislodged from my GDLP, but unlikely. I only use that for lapping. I never thought of taking that linen strop to a dry cleaner. That's a good idea.

Chris L

Been there and done that. I have an old Wester Bros strop and the linen is dirty and a bit lumpy from being folded. I asked about having the linen cleaned and pressed. He examined it and said that he thought there was a plastic film impregnated in the linen. He took it and put it on the steam press and gave it a few short hits. This helped get the lumps reduced but they are not gone. The guy didn't charge me anything but it didn't really make the linen usable. I am going to try laying it under some heavy books for a couple of weeks and see what happens. Chris, take your linen to the dry cleaner and see what they can do. You might make out better then I did.

This was discussed at length before in a thread. I believe it was Puffah that had the answer. Look thru his postings or send him a PM.

Thanks Randy. I'll do that.

Chris L