Pivolo strop?

Hi there,

I just found an old strop belonging to my ancestors,

the strop says something like pivolo on the top of the strop and near the handle it says horsehide. It also has a linen side.

Anyone ever heard of this before?

The leather feels very stiff and is not easily bendable (not that I've tried to bend it). The strop has a small amount of what looks like super super tiny cracks.
I might be able to get some pics up later,
it hasn't been used in ages, so I think it might need some restoration or touching up; but overall the strop doesnt seem to contain any big cuts or nicks (only a small one on the side)
The leather side of the strop itself seems in pretty good condition as far as I can tell.
The linen side seems to be more dark in the middle and more clear on the top and bottom side.
But overall it seems like its in pretty good shape, altho I have no idea what I'm talking about so this might be useless.

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions how I can best take care of this strop? Can I wash it? would I need to paste it? whatever ... on my way to reading some guides and wiki's of how to take care of a strop...


thx anyway in advance :)

The fine cracks are indicative of dried out, 'hungry' leather.

That is to say that the original oils which kept it supple are now gone.

I advise NOT bending it any more than necessary.

Go out and find some genuine Neatsfoot Oil (also known as Neatsfoot Compound). This is an oil-like fluid which is rendered from animal hooves. It is totally compatible with the leather.

My suggestion is a light, but even coating of this Neatsfoot Oil on the top side of the strop (the working side).

Do not be tempted to over-apply the oil in the belief that it will somehow work faster. It needs time to soak into the cells of the leather which will plump up and rehydrate them.

You will probably have to let it sit for a week or two after the first application. Do NOT be tempted to use the strop! Wait until the strop no longer appears 'wet' with oil scum.

After this first period of time has elapsed, try very gently to bend the strop. If it doesn't feel much improved, then I suggest you reapply the Neatsfoot oil a second time (lightly)... with another long, careful waiting period. Same rules apply!

That should improve the condition of the strop considerably over its current condition, if anything can.

If the second application has also had insufficient effect, then lightly apply a third coating to the reverse side of the strop. Same rules apply!

NOTE: Whatever you do, DO NOT apply a petroleum-based oil to the leather of the strop. This will not have the desired effect and will even rot the leather.

I'm not a strop pro, but it is entirely possible that the linen side is dark due to a compound being used on it to aid in sharpening the razor.

thank for the reply guys,

I'm gonna try to find some of that oil and try doing what you've suggested.
Just to be curious, could or would yellow strop paste help as well?
And would I have to treat the linen side as well? if so, how exactly would one do that :o
What can I clean the strop with where there are some dirt/dust spots? :o
I'm also gonna buy a not too expensive strop, just until I really get good at stropping, I don't rly have much experience at all and I surely don't wanna damage the strop!

thanks for the advice