Thread: Russian strop restore question

I just got a Russian strop. I thought it had linen but it looks like its another piece of leather with something on it. Maybe ypu guys can help me with what i should do? How to clean it? Also cant completely read what it says

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A whole lot of the oldies had milled leather secondaries.
Was a 'Hone' and a 'Finish' strop. In good shape, should work as when they were new..
Hard to see in good shape. Give it a go!

'One(ce) only after short strokes?'

Originally Posted by sharptonn

A whole lot of the oldies had milled leather secondaries.
Was a 'Hone' and a 'Finish' strop. In good shape, should work as when they were new..
Hard to see in good shape. Give it a go!

'One only after short strokes?'

Thank you. Do you know what it is coated with? Ill take another pic of the other side. How could i clean it?

Likely, it had some sort of strop dressing on.
As old as it is, I would hesitate to clean it. Might destroy it trying?

Lube it up from the back side, I suppose.

From my experiences, the media is a grey emery.
Just a wild a$$ guess, but "Radio" brand, of the era in question, strop paste is still found on-line at a fairly cheap price. It appears to be a emery of grey or black color in a fairly soft crayon. I have used it and it does work in very few "two laps" strokes.

There are other brands available and newer. They may have a red and a grey product in them. The trick is to read directions as the color may not be what you expect for the fineness of the crayon.
~Richard

Looks grey blueish color. Also stamped it diamond dust hone strop

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I think the linen says:

Hone Lightly
4 TO 8
Short
Strokes

The With is the only line I am really struggling with and doubting my interpretation on. It looks like a nice strop, good luck!

Originally Posted by blzrfn

I think the linen says:

Hone Lightly
?With?
Short
Strokes

The With is the only line I am really struggling with and doubting my interpretation on. It looks like a nice strop, good luck!

Thanks. I was having a hell of a time reading it.

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Originally Posted by nicknbleeding

Thanks. I was having a hell of a time reading it.

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4 TO 8 is the second line

You might try a sponge dipped in hot water on a small piece and see what it does...although the compound might rubb away.

Also rehidrating the leather might make the milled look go away...I usualy wash thicker leather strops with hot water and a sponge with dish detergent... and aply balistol oil after I set it to dry on a flat surface...but I think washing it might harm.
If I were to try something I guess i'd try rubbing it gently with a microfiber towel sprayed with balistol...it tends to be a god solvent and makes the leather suple...