Thread: How to bring out "the Draw" from a new strop?

Originally Posted by FloorPizza

...
Is this ok to put chrome ox on? Do I just take the chrome ox stick and start rubbing it on the fabric? I've pasted paddle strops before, but never a hanging fabric.
...

Is it the stick from Woodcraft or Lee Valley? That chrome ox has some fairly large particles in it. Chris L might still have some of the Hand American powder.

Originally Posted by Sticky

Is it the stick from Woodcraft or Lee Valley? That chrome ox has some fairly large particles in it. Chris L might still have some of the Hand American powder.

It's the stick from SRD. Still trying to decide what to put it on.

The palm rubbing is really very effective. I've added one personal twist to it that seemed to really accelerate the break-in and softness, and increase the draw.

Every day I pulled the strop taut and rubbed it lightly but fast with my palm until the surface was warm, maybe 30 - 50 times. Then I wiped my palm on my forehead to pick up some of whatever oil I might have, and rubbed that in while the strop was still warm. Then I'd strop.

I figure it's the same skin oil that's on my palms, there's just more of it on my forehead. This really sped up the process, and that latigo is really soft now with great draw. Now I only use this trick about once a week or so to keep it soft, but I palm rub the strop every day just to raise the temperature before stropping.

Originally Posted by FloorPizza

I imagine the best place to get Neat's Foot Oil today is from a horse tackle shop?

Dan's food stores have it with the shoe polish. Tandy Leather on Redwood has it.

I used petroleum jelly on my cheap Dovo strop, worked just fine, I applied it twice and now I just rub it with my hands to get good draw... But still, many people on here have advised against it, so YMMV.

I HAVE THE BLACK LATIGO STROP FROM SRD. WORKED PERFECT RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX.

DRAW WAS PERFECT. ABOUT 20 PASSES ON THE CANVASS AND ABOUT 40 ON THE LEATHER AND I'M GOOD TO GO.

GREAT STROP.