Thread: Oiling the Strop

Hi - I have stropped exactly once so I'm still trying to figure it all out With that caveat, I got a Poorman's Strop from Whipped Dog until I am comfortable. It came with a small sample of "Neatsfoot Oil" to oil the strop. I followed the instructions. When this oil runs out, might it be possible to use Mineral Oil? I ask because I'm using Mineral Oil to oil my blade and it would be really convenient to use the same oil. Thanks!

Use the mineral oil only if you want your strop to suck up all that oil, turn dark, sag and stretch . . . S0, NO, don't use it on your strop.

Neatsfoot oil is comprised of oil from animal shin bones, as such is a natural ingredient in all natural leather. No matter what preservative you choose, remember that too much oil will stop the leather from breathing, trap moisture inside, and over time rot your strop.

Spend the 5 bucks for an 8 oz bottle of Neatsfoot and use it sparingly, you'll be glad you did.

ok - where do I get it? Hardware store? Never heard of it until now.

If you have already used it then you won't need to do anymore for a long long time. Your strop isn't broken in yet so its going to change slightly. You need to be cautious when applying oil to your strop, a little goes a long way. Like three to five drops is usually enough.

You can usually find it at a leather repair place or a place that sells leather goods.

Oh - then I'm more of a noob than I thought. I applied 5 drops on the strop and rubbed it in. When will I have to do it again? Maybe it's not the maintenance thing I thought it was.

I work on 1 drop = 1 year. In between times I rub the strop with my hand - the natural oils in your skin will do the job forever and a day.

James.

Originally Posted by EggSuckingLeech

ok - where do I get it? Hardware store? Never heard of it until now.

Any good shoe store should carry it, especially if they carry quality work boots.

What is the difference between neatsfoot oil, and neatsfoot oil compound?

Originally Posted by mackie

What is the difference between neatsfoot oil, and neatsfoot oil compound?

Neatsfoot oil compound is mixed with something other than 100% neastsfoot, could have mineral oil or other types of oil added as filler. Neatsfoot oil compound is more likely to attract, and trap, dirt, other debris, and clog the pours of the leather.

Originally Posted by zib

You don't have to oil new strops at all to be honest.

Of course but an inexpensive strip of leather sold to beginners to chop up while they learn may not be quite as supple as a new strop.
I don't know the product but applying oil to the flesh side is always a safer approach than applying to the work side.