Thread: Care for latigo leather strop

Hey all, 1 of my strops is a 3" latigo leather strop that I really enjoy. I have some Fromm leather conditioner and I was wondering if it is a good idea to use on latigo. If you guys have some well known methods of caring for a latigo strop I would love to read them. Thanks to all.

All I ever do to condition my strop(s) it to rub my palm on it. The oils from your skin should be all that is needed.

Same for me...Palm rub until hot prior to stropping.

If you are going to condion your leather, know this; less is more! Repeat if needed, but give the product a min of 12 hours to work, and try stropping before moving ahead and repeating if you feel its needed. It can really change the feel.

Never used Fromm before, but I have a sponge I cut in quarters to apply my stuff on. I pour it on very lightly, manipulate the sponge a bit to distribute, then use one or two full length swipes with it. Then any trouble spots see me doing a few circles. Then I simply use light strokes again.

After all is said and done, it looks a bit splotchy. That's OK with my stuff. It drys well.

I don't have to do it often. Once a year - more if I have to sand out any uh... cuts. But again - less is more but its fun to keep your stuff in good shape, and I note my den really demands that I do treat mine at least yearly.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by owen88

Hey all, 1 of my strops is a 3" latigo leather strop that I really enjoy. I have some Fromm leather conditioner and I was wondering if it is a good idea to use on latigo. If you guys have some well known methods of caring for a latigo strop I would love to read them. Thanks to all.

Depends on the latigo. If it is nice and pliable it does not need more oil. Oil, and a lot of it in the case of latigo, is added during tanning (fat liquoring and hot stuffing), adding more in one form or another could be detrimental. Hand rubbing and an occasional rub with a faintly damp balled up cloth is all that is necessary.

There is a really rigid, stiff and not very pliable latigo. You can condition this type all you like and it will not make much difference, as the tanning method used really closes the grain and makes the leather virtually impervious.

Which, to be honest, is the primary reason for latigo - to resist the elements.

Regards,
Neil