So, I got my new strop today - an IRC #127. The only problem is it's stiff as a board, and here in NZ it's incredibly hard to buy strop dressing, neatsfoot or mink oil to break it in with, and I'm too broke to buy some off the net for a while, what with the exorbitant shipping costs to NZ and the exchange rate. Would baby oil be acceptable, or will this bugger the leather?
Also, what should I do to the linen side to soften it? I read in a restoration thread about someone resoaping the linen on a vintage strop, but wasn't sure of the purpose, so any info regarding breaking in linen or soaping linen is much appreciated. Is this necessary or just something some people choose to do?
Cheers guys,
Tom