mink oil for strops

OK - I recently gave my trusty, reconditioned sears & roebuck hanging strop to a friend who needed one. I've bought a new (old) one on e-bay today and am going to go through the reconditioning process again.

The strop looks like it's in fairly good condition - from the photographs anyway - but I'm probably going to go through some steps with it anyway.

I'm thinking of using mink oil this time round.

Any ideas on mink oil - what type to use - brand names, etc. Also, where's a good place to order (I'm in Ireland, so UK supplier would cut down on postage).

Also, as I recall, in the old forum, there were archived files. Did they make it across into this new one?

Any advice gratefully received.

thanks - anders

Hi Anders. Let me take another opportunity to congratulate you for a well-written book. As for mink oil, yes it can be used for strops and I use a solid version (vaseline consistency) as a strop dressing once in a while. I think it's Kiwi brand. If you can't find any locally I can send you some of mine, which should be enough for a reconditioning and a few years of good use. If that becomes necessary, just PM me.

I really like using mink oil as well. It is definitely penetrating and can really bring a strop back around. I use it after saddle soap when cleaning up an old or used strop.

Have fun.

Lynn

A good cleaner for quick cleanup/touchup is the Belvoir tack cleaner (Step 1). You buy it in squirt bottles, I think it's made in the UK and it's great for re-pasting cleanup or for a quick clean before you dress your strop on those rare occasions when you do. It's safe on stitching so it shouldn't mess with your linen.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FIEBINS-100-PU...QQcmdZViewItem

We could split this bottle up between a few UK members, 473ml is more than one could use on a strop in a lifetime!

I've used the Kiwi brand as well and it is super hydrating. Make sure you give it a couple of days to dry.

X

I found their mink oil on the US site, but it doesn't appear on the Uk section. I have contacted them regarding this.

Fiebings Mink Oil Liquid is a good low density option to start with. It's personal preference for me but after I've conditioned my leathers with neatsfoot oil, be it strop, saddle, boots or bridles, I like to let it sit over night, apply the mink oil liquid in the morning, then in the evening go with the KIWI mink oil mixture and let it sit a while. I used to use Lexol but that was more expensive and I wasn't completely satisfied with the results.

Leather shops or shoe shops in england might carry what you need:

http://www.marrsleather.co.uk/
http://www.charmleather.com/
http://www.luxury-leather-goods.co.uk/
http://www.shoes4thought.co.uk/content/home.asp

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies to this one. In fact, I managed to source some mink oil here from a friend. I'll let you know how I get on with it.

anders