Thread: Strop cleaning

Dovo yellow strop paste/grease is tallow (animal fat) isn't it ?

Originally Posted by littlesilverbladefromwale

Dovo yellow strop paste/grease is tallow (animal fat) isn't it ?

Even if it is, it's still not much of a concern. Only a very old strop would use natural stitchings, and even then, the risk is minimal on an item that is used and cleaned regularly.

Also, you wouldn't be rubbing paste into the stitchings, only on the actual stopping surface.

The only way it would be a risk at all, is if you had a very very old strop, rubbed paste deliberately down into the stitchings at the end, and then threw it in the attic for a long time. Of course, that's probably why you frequently see old strops on ebay that are in great shape except missing handles.

My favourite strop is from the 40's, I think ! When it falls apart I'll use the leather and hardware to make a new one I expect.

Mine is the old baker and it needs some reinforcing done to it but it will do for my first strop and by the time my bday rolls around I will be schooled enough for one of the heirloom strops