Thread: Great grandfathers old strop

I recently got my great grandfathers old razor strop fron a relative. It is in qute good condition but it needs some cleaning. I wonder what you guys recomend. My plan is to clean it thoroughly with sadelsope, get rid of some nics and rough spots with a sandpaper (about 1000 grit?) and later finish off with some neatsfoot oil. If i missed something please let me know.

Sounds good to me. Nice gift. Enjoy and cherish.

Very cool. Please post pics when you get it all cleaned up and ready for use.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but sandpaper will remove the top grain and I'd only use that as a last resort option. Great to have a genuine heirloom for a strop.

Same here, do everything but the sandpaper and see how it is first

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but sandpaper will remove the top grain and I'd only use that as a last resort option. Great to have a genuine heirloom for a strop.

You can try this technique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxpL...nel=BillMorris

What condition is the leather, hard, stiff, soft, and flexible?

Do you know how, (folded, flat, hanging) and where it has been stored?

Yes, do not sand it, unless you absolutely need to and I don’t see where you do.

You should remove it from the holder and rehydrate it before you even clean it, if it is stiff.

Rehydrating the leather may get rid of some of the nicks and scratches or at least make them a non-issue.

Restoring leather is a slow process, taking short cut can ruin the leather.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

What condition is the leather, hard, stiff, soft, and flexible?

Do you know how, (folded, flat, hanging) and where it has been stored?

Yes, do not sand it, unless you absolutely need to and I don’t see where you do.

You should remove it from the holder and rehydrate it before you even clean it, if it is stiff.

Rehydrating the leather may get rid of some of the nicks and scratches or at least make them a non-issue.

Restoring leather is a slow process, taking short cut can ruin the leather.

It is not stiff, feels good. It have been hanging in a dry (but cold in the winter) room. I dont think it needs to be rehydrated, but for the record, how is that done?

That's neet to have. but for me i'm kind of glad i don't have grand's strop. Dad wore it out on me

Here is a link to a well done article on leather preservation and maintenance. Go to the section on old leather.
Do not put shoe polish on your strop.

Leather Preservation for new leather