Thread: I found this Razor Strop in my grandfather's attic

I know nothing about razor Strops and don't know how to determine the vintage, quality and ultimately the value, if any.



Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

Welcome to SRP. We don't do appraisals of value on SRP, it is against the rules because it is basically a matter of opinion in cases of esoteric items, or easily accessed on ebay searches for completed items for the same type of item. What you have there is a typical 'gentleman's strop' sold to the home shaver. Generally shorter in length than the standard 23" pro barber strop, but good nonetheless. Looks to be in good shape. Now get into shaving with a straight and save $ on the darned cartridges.

Your lucky to find such an heirloom. Look around for Gramps razor and hopefully a brush. Then you can step back in time and enjoy something your grandfather knew about daily :<0)


I'll step out on a limb and say what you have is priceless anyway. Don't sell it, use it.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. We don't do appraisals of value on SRP, it is against the rules because it is basically a matter of opinion in cases of esoteric items, or easily accessed on ebay searches for completed items for the same type of item. What you have there is a typical 'gentleman's strop' sold to the home shaver. Generally shorter in length than the standard 23" pro barber strop, but good nonetheless. Looks to be in good shape. Now get into shaving with a straight and save $ on the darned cartridges.

Oops my apologies and thanks from a Newbie.

The Strop is 23 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, my Grandfather was a jack of all trades so it wouldn't surprise me if he was a Barber.

I will check the forums to find out how to maintain it properly on the leather and canvas side.

Are you able to tell me what the numbers refer to on a Strop in my particular case it is "28"? Was it the 28th of that particular assembly line or of that model?

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Your lucky to find such an heirloom. Look around for Gramps razor and hopefully a brush. Then you can step back in time and enjoy something your grandfather knew about daily :<0)


I'll step out on a limb and say what you have is priceless anyway. Don't sell it, use it.

Thanks,

I will keep it, I haven't found a razor or brush yet but did find a mustache cup, I guess it was a good Strop because I don't recall him having a mustache.

It looks like a very fine strop. Be careful with it when learning how to use it. Most guys nick the heck out of them learning.

Originally Posted by Razorray

Oops my apologies and thanks from a Newbie.

The Strop is 23 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, my Grandfather was a jack of all trades so it wouldn't surprise me if he was a Barber.

I will check the forums to find out how to maintain it properly on the leather and canvas side.

Are you able to tell me what the numbers refer to on a Strop in my particular case it is "28"? Was it the 28th of that particular assembly line or of that model?

If it is 23' overall, that is typical of a home strop. A pro barber strop wouldn't have the handle and would allow a bit more area to run the razor. Nothing wrong with the amount of stropping area on that one. You have all you need.

What most guys recommend for care is a rubbing with the palm of the hand now and again. The olils from your skin will condition the leather. If the draw (resistance when you run the blade back and forth) is too light a very little bit of neatsfoot oil will increase it. Be carefull not to use too much. A little goes a long way. If the leather is dirty on the surface a light rub with a damp rag is what I see recommended. For the linen, I've washed them in a bucket with Woolite. If you feel the need to do that I would keep the leather handle out of the wash.

It is a good quality strop but leather is possibly a bit dry(don't wet it or you will destroy it) and damaged due to age and use.

nice find

+1 on the value being priceless

use it and enjoy it

Originally Posted by Razorray

Oops my apologies and thanks from a Newbie.

The Strop is 23 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, my Grandfather was a jack of all trades so it wouldn't surprise me if he was a Barber.

I will check the forums to find out how to maintain it properly on the leather and canvas side.

Are you able to tell me what the numbers refer to on a Strop in my particular case it is "28"? Was it the 28th of that particular assembly line or of that model?

Each manufacturer gave their strops a different name. Some used numbers and some didn't. In most cases they mean that a higher number often times meant a better quality strop. A good example is the kanayamara Strops being made in Japan presently. The basic model is the #3 and they go to 90000 as the top of the line. You would have to be familiar with that particular makers products to know what the number means.