Quote Originally Posted by bobski View Post
I believe the situation re the canvas piece of the Kanayama is not entirely the choice of the strop maker himself. Most who have bought a Kanayama strop are, once treated/washed are very happy with it. When one buys a kanayama, the canvas piece is in a 'Red Imp' plastic sheath, so it appears to me, it is supplied in it's Red Imp livery, and is in and of itself, not made by the Kanoyama company. As far as having to re glue the leather tag, it is no big deal, wipe a smear of PVA glue to it and stick it back with a weight on it. Takes about 5 minutes, and if you choose not to re-attach it, the strop's performance is totally unaffected.
So your Kanayama strop will function fine, the cordovan piece is brilliant as is the suede piece. I have a few Kanayama's and they all perform as the price demands. As far as the canvas piece is concerned, wash it to soften it or don't. It's purely up to you and isn't exactly difficult to do. I guess if it's a compelling problem for some, then there are other Shell Cordovan strops out there, so maybe give one a try.
Oh yes! I have a few NOS strops attributed to the master from back in the days. Wrap has Red Imp all over it.
Kanayama made strops of American-supplied leather. Made in USA? Red Imp, indeed!