Thread: Boars Head Strop

The main characteristic you need in a strop is absolute smoothness and suppleness. If the strop is like cardboard it might be possible to condition it with oil or conditioner. As long as the surface is intact with no cuts or areas that are really abraded You have nothing to loose. If it is twisted and has ripples in it thats another story. The old hanging with weights or putting it between stacks of books or weights or using a rolling pin are possibilities. If all else fails and there are creases or heavy wrinkles in it you can use the nuclear option, soaking in water and letting it slowly air dry however that's a last ditch effort before the trash can.

Sometimes these old strops are just dried out and there is little you can do.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The main characteristic you need in a strop is absolute smoothness and suppleness. If the strop is like cardboard it might be possible to condition it with oil or conditioner. As long as the surface is intact with no cuts or areas that are really abraded You have nothing to loose. If it is twisted and has ripples in it thats another story. The old hanging with weights or putting it between stacks of books or weights or using a rolling pin are possibilities. If all else fails and there are creases or heavy wrinkles in it you can use the nuclear option, soaking in water and letting it slowly air dry however that's a last ditch effort before the trash can.

Sometimes these old strops are just dried out and there is little you can do.

Interesting, great information. Thanks!