Thread: Using dubbin/leather conditioner on Latigo strops

I have a lovely black Latigo linen backed strop (Not synthetic) that I will never nick ...lol.
My question guys is that should I occasionally rub into the smooth leather side a conditioner, like saddle soap, to keep it subtle. I like it,and I gave it a rub down with a cloth with the smallest bit of saddle soap, which increased it's draw.

Good idea or bad idea. Seen lots of videos re stropping, but never a mention of leather conditioning. Heard of using the palm of your hand, but my hands would'nt work. Advice friends.

Cheers Bob

I've used neatsfoot very sparingly, a little goes a very long way, and too much of a good thing is undesirable in the case of strops. It will also increase draw. I don't know about saddle soap. I have the impression it is more for cleaning, to prepare for conditioner, but I'm no expert on leather.

Aside from the aforementioned neatsfoot, I've taken products that advertised themselves as cleaner/conditioner, to vintage strops that needed a bit of rejuvenation with good effect. I've also got maybe 10 vintage strops that are as old as my 65 years, and haven't been touched by any conditioner save the palm of my hand in decades.

If I was worried about what effect a product might have on a strop, I'd probably apply it to the very last couple of inches, where it is held taut, and see if it improved it to my liking or not. If Neil Miller sees this I'm sure he can give you the best advice. Being as he makes wonderful strops.

If your strop is in good condition and not a vintage model then little to no maintenance is required. On the other hand, if your strop has a problem or particular need then a specific solution might be the answer. Perhaps you could share more about your strop and/or your thoughts on its needs.

I have a TM Latigo strop that I have used daily for more than three years. I wipe it with the palm of my hand a dozen times before Stropping. If I sense a film beginning to form, I wipe the surface with a clean cloth slightly damp with water. This keeps the surface clean and keeps draw consistent. I rarely wipe with a damp cloth.

Originally Posted by sheajohnw

I have a TM Latigo strop that I have used daily for more than three years. I wipe it with the palm of my hand a dozen times before Stropping. If I sense a film beginning to form, I wipe the surface with a clean cloth slightly damp with water. This keeps the surface clean and keeps draw consistent. I rarely wipe with a damp cloth.

Believe it or not, I was a ball boy (Rugby League) when a kid, and my job was to keep the moisture from the leather ball, thus I'd polish it with shoe polish, saddle soap, or what I was told. I have a russian dovo which is more like a silk purse than a sow's ear, and my favourite the lovely latigo double sided (Linen) which I'd love to have as much life in it as possible, so thankyou men I have learnt.

Bob