I bought a great new-oldstock horsehide IRS strop. When I say new-oldstock I mean unused, but had been hanging around here or there for years. It's in great shape the but linen side was as heavy and thick as lacquored canvas.

I cleaned it up really good by soaking in a sauce pan of hot water, and placing the saucepan in the oven at 170 degrees F, the lowest my oven would go. I'd soak it for 30 min then take a fine bristled nylon brush to it with some laundry detergent, then repeat. I did this probably 8 times. Near the end I soaked it in some thin bleach water for about a minute, then rinsed that out. I did this to get out some water stains.

Now it's as clean as a cotton belt and a bit limp. There is absolutely no trace of wax on it. It looks great but I'm sure I have to put some wax back on it or something. In the other thread ED Simon from IRS was quoted as saying there was beeswax or parafin on the linen.

"According to Ed Simon (Fromm Intl. / Illinois Razor Strop Co.) it's either beeswax or parafin. Apparently IRS used to make strops for Dubl Duck."

Now what do I do? buy beeswax? how do I apply it?

help