Thread: Can I still use this old Barber's strop?

I have always liked the look of these, and picked one up on eBay. The leather seems to be in nice condition, though it is a bit curved on one side (it sort of arches up in the middle, so I have put a CD case between the wood and the leather, with heavy books on either side to straighten it out).

I don't know if this was ever used with pastes, but it doesn't look like it, and the leather still seems smooth.

Basically my 2 main issues are: How (if at all) can I clean the leather, just to get rid of any grime there may be; The leather is not very taught (please see picture), can I still use it, or does it have too much 'give' to maintain a straight?

i have a similar strop, one sided, and antique. and i also wonder about the slack.. I love the style though, and I think about making more of that style. i think the answer is work with a light touch in short quick swipes.

Hiya Pat, welcome to SRP from The South (Swansea)
You could try getting some foam of the right thickness and sliding that in the gap(cut it so it's tidy!)
I might try and get one of those contraptions too
Cheers Marcus