Thread: Restore the reverse side

That really does look nice. I restored a vintage Llama strop a couple of years ago and went a little bit too far with the sanding. I used Stirling tallow-based soap a bit like you mention with the Lanolin cream and it did the trick. It was my favorite hanging strop for a long time, but lately I've been using a felt-lined small paddle strop and really enjoying it since I got down the trick there.

Thanks for sharing! Like others have said, it's inspiring.

That turned out so nice it almost looks like a completely different strop! How much sanding did it take to get past those surface cracks? I may have to stop by the hardware store on the way home...

No no.
Where the cracks in the photo - this is originally the front side, with label. It is improperly restored, the damage is very deep. But the reverse side was preserved in its original form, completely without damage. Unfortunately, I did not guess to take a photo of the original condition of the reverse side of the strop)))
Now I turned the strap over and the other side became facial. I spent a little time, an about two hours. I highly recommend abrasive sponges for wet polishing leather - a great tool!

I never have seen or heard of those abrasive sponges before, and 3M is based in my home state!

I brought these sponges from Japan)))

Originally Posted by Utopian

I never have seen or heard of those abrasive sponges before, and 3M is based in my home state!

Painters and decorators use them for sanding intricate areas.

Very cool. I didnt think it could come out so nice. You did a great job!

Originally Posted by ShaveAndTravel

No no.
Where the cracks in the photo - this is originally the front side, with label. It is improperly restored, the damage is very deep. But the reverse side was preserved in its original form, completely without damage. Unfortunately, I did not guess to take a photo of the original condition of the reverse side of the strop)))
Now I turned the strap over and the other side became facial. I spent a little time, an about two hours. I highly recommend abrasive sponges for wet polishing leather - a great tool!

Got you, regardless you did a great job and look to have inspired a few of us!