Thread: What's the RIGHT way to break in a strop?

I've got one of Tony's #1 Best wide hanging strops w/ Heirloom red latigo leather coming in this week and I'm curious about breaking it in (if it's even necessary). I've heard a few different procedures and I'm wondering what the best route is. First off, the linen side. I've heard that rubbing in shaving soap and then rubbing it with a glass bottle works. I did this on my Illinois strop and didn't notice much difference. For the leather side I've heard using lather, neat's foot oil, mink oil, olive oil, the palm of your hand, etc. Which one of these is correct? I also have a strip of Handamerican leather lying around that I want to use as a finishing strop (3-strop system). Is one method preferred to use on the red latigo vs. the Handamerican? Thanks.

The strop will not need to be broken in.
It's ready to begin using.


Terry

Originally Posted by wvbias

The strop will not need to be broken in.
It's ready to begin using.


Terry

Well, that was easy! Thanks Terry. I'm sure that someone out there would benefit from an answer, though, seeing how not all strops are ready to use.

Strops that are not ready to use can by rubbed with a smooth round glass jar filled with warm water (or reasonable facimile) to smooth them. Any leather conditioner should be fine to preserve it.

X

I think the strop is ready to go. I would not treat it with anything unless at some point it starts to dry out and get stiff. You can rub your palm across it on an ongoing basis and it should stay in great condition. Don't leave in the oven at 350 degrees for any prolonged period......lol. Have fun. Lynn

My strops usually need no breaking in when received. The leather, while thick is fairly pliable and even if it cups doen the road flexing it a little will flatten it right out. I do include a 2oz bottle of strop dressing with them but I never use it on mine. Like Lynn I just rub it down with the palm of my hand before I use it.

Tony

A Barber book from 1988 that I have says to use a bar of soap and rub it into the linen. Then follow that by rubbing the linen with a glass jar. I use a bar of Ivory soap.

Just my two cents,

I usually don't treat linen at all unless at all. I have tried the TI paste on it. Mainly I paste the back of the leather or use a flatbed leather hone. Lynn

I used Tony's strop out of the box and it was just fine. Enjoy

It will be ready to use. It will get even better with use.

Glen