Thread: Leather Strop care

Hello all!

I am writing for advice on how to care for my leather strops. I am a novice at at this point (6 mo. into it) and have purchased some really nice leather strops. One is a bull (brand name) with the fabric. It is old but in immaculate condition. The other one is a paddle strop. The paddle strop is smooth leather on one side and the other side is coated with chromium oxide.

What is the best way to keep these in tip top condition?

I appreciate any help and advice that can be given

John,

I give my strop a hand palm rubdown every morning, about 30 second or so per hand — before taking my shower. The oils from my hands impart all the conditioning substance my strops need. Also, keep your daily strop pristine.

Excellent. That's pretty easy. I like easy.

I appreciate the response

You are very welcome, John. Yes, keep things simple.

I have dedicated one strop for honing and one for CrO paste. My daily strops, the Kanayama 30000, Kanayama 80000 and the Illinois 361 barber style remain pristine, each getting a hand rubbing the morning I use it.

Nice and simple, indeed.

Wow! Those are so very fine strops indeed. I did some research on these and as time goes on, I plan on investing in so really good equipment such as these. I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a temporary endeavor on my part so to speak.
Love the close shaves from a straight razor and also the nostalgia associated with it. Just need lots of help on how to care and maintain my equipment so I continue to get really great results.

John,

The Kanayama is a lovely strop. I like a strop with minimal draw, due to the arthritis in my hands, and the Kanayama is perfect for my hands. I especially like the magnetic feel of the strop and the way it hugs the blade.

Yes, starting out, it is foolish to spend the big price on the Kanayama. At the same time, I don't believe in starting on the cheap. A modestly priced, but quality, strop is the way to go in the beginning. There is plenty of time for the Kanayama.

By the way, welcome to Straight Razor Place.

As Obie mentioned, a good hand rub is all you need to do to keep a strop in great condition.

Remember when using the strop with cro ox to wipe your edge clean or you will end up contaminating your nice strop.