Thread: Kampfe Star Strop - Should I store

I have just picked up this strop in an antique store in Richmond, IL. I also picked up a Durham Duplex. My question is should I just place this cool antique strop on the wall in a place of honor or get to stroping with it? In case you vote for using it should I do anything to prepare it? The markings seem dead on for the strop noted here: THE ORIGINAL SAFETY - Kampfe Star Strop Kit. I don't have the box or other gear just the Kampfe Star Strop mentioned.

Originally Posted by scottdhansen

I have just picked up this strop in an antique store in Richmond, IL. I also picked up a Durham Duplex. My question is should I just place this cool antique strop on the wall in a place of honor or get to stroping with it? In case you vote for using it should I do anything to prepare it? The markings seem dead on for the strop noted here: THE ORIGINAL SAFETY - Kampfe Star Strop Kit. I don't have the box or other gear just the Kampfe Star Strop mentioned.

Sorry I do not have any words of wisdom for you but man I like the hardware on it.

Nice find you have there.

I'm not familiar with the strop, how long is the stropping surface ? One way or the other, if you feel totally confident in your stropping ability go for it. If you are only just learning to strop I'd suggest waiting until you feel totally confident and get something easily replaceable for now. IMHO.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If you are only just learning to strop I'd suggest waiting until you feel totally confident and get something easily replaceable for now. IMHO.

That's some good advice.

OK into the drawer with the antique until I get stropping practice under my belt. The other half of the question is what do I need to do to the antique to get it ready if anything? Do I use any kind of conditioner on the leather or would that defeat the surface condition?

Originally Posted by scottdhansen

OK into the drawer with the antique until I get stropping practice under my belt. The other half of the question is what do I need to do to the antique to get it ready if anything? Do I use any kind of conditioner on the leather or would that defeat the surface condition?

If it is soft and supple I would just hang it, or whatever, and rub it with your palm. The natural skin oils will refresh the leather. If it is stiff and hard it might need some further TLC. You could do neatsfoot oil but be aware that too much will saturate the strop and any amount will increase the draw (resistance) For the time being I would limit treatment to palm rubbing a few times a day for a bit. When you come to the point where you want to use it maybe the neatsfoot. You might PM Neil Miller. He makes strops and is very knowledgeable regarding leather treatment.

Chances are there is a lot of dirt / grit on the strop. Before I would use it I would clean it with oil and clean cloth. Even then, it may never come clean of grit enough to use on a properly honed razor.

Take a razor and strop one side or the toe half of the blade, compare the scratches, if you see heavier stria on the strop side than the non-strop side, its wall art… and pretty nice art, at that.

Stropping is the last thing you do to improve the edge prior to touching your face. You want the finest, cleanest material to burnish the edge. Rarely will that be an ageded piece of leather that’s been tossed around who knows where.

Nice find though.

I couldn't stand to see the strop in the drawer. So after watching a few youtube video's on stropping I broke out my favorite kitchen knives and went for it. They turned out really well. The old Durham Duplex razor had minor improvement but not even close to as sharp as my kitchen knife. I think I need to hone the Duham Duplex blades first and then go to town on a fresh clean strop. So what are the suggestions for a new strop. Should I go with a 'cheaters' 3" or stay with the traditional width?

I don't know that a 3 inch strop is cheating. I love mine and it will make learning to strop much easier.