Thread: Putting an old strop back into service

I received an old Illinois 206 from my father in law today and it appears to be in very good condition. I think I'll be cleaning the linen side per Jimmy's instructions from a previous thread, but how do I restore the leather? It has some wrinkles about a third of the way up and just generally looks like an old, but good belt. It is surprisingly supple with few defects. Here's hoping!

Just watch out for the wrinkles and let us know how your project goes.

Here is an archived thread that might have some helpful suggestions.

Thanks for that Jimmy! I'm cleaning the linen right now and will hopefully get going on the leather tonight.

I soaked and washed the linen in some detergent and oxy clean then let it dry and it turned out nice. I wish I could run it through the washer, but whatever.

The leather actually turned out quite nice. The wrinkles are all but gone, and I think once it completely dries they'll just be marks rather than wrinkles. There are a couple of nicks in it- what's the protocol on using pumice to smooth it out? I'm not sure I even need to, but it's good to have the information.