Thread: J Tarnow Company Strop

I inherited this from my dad over 30 years ago and know nothing about it other than that there was a Tarnow company in Toronto that sold barber supplies and equipment. I think they may still be functioning.



The top markings indicate it is genuine shell and “broke-in”. The bottom markings indicate it is from Japan.







I haven’t been able to find anything on the internet and would appreciate any additional information anyone on SRP can add.

It’s a little scuffed and has what look like small cracks in the surface near the bottom markings and one small nick on the right side. I have used neatsfoot oil SPARINGLY and the surface is quite supple. It has a fairly slick draw.

Many strops were made by a single maker and sold to hardware and barber supplies with their store name. If the timing us right many Japanese branded strops could have been made by Naomi - San hisself. But where it comes from or who made it a nice old shell in great shape is a true joy to own and use. Try to stay away from putting anything on it unless dry and cracking. Moisture in my opinion is the key to a strop staying healthy. Mine all just get a wipe with a damp cloth once in a while to keep them clean and supple, haven't added anything to mine and their still sweet.

If it's dry in anyway try applying just a couple drops of neatsfoot or Balistrol to the back side and rub in well, wait a couple of weeks and see if it needs more. Nice strop. Tc

Amazing the info contained in the collective brains of SRP.

The backside of the leather appears unfinished - almost like suede. Is it OK to put anything on that?

Any suggestions for cleaning the linen strop. I put some TI white paste on it and it now has black streaks from stropping.

Originally Posted by DZEC

Amazing the info contained in the collective brains of SRP.

The backside of the leather appears unfinished - almost like suede. Is it OK to put anything on that?

Any suggestions for cleaning the linen strop. I put some TI white paste on it and it now has black streaks from stropping.

That's the way the back if strops is, but the oil works its way to the top side over time, but like I said if not needed don't. As to the linen, well I wouldn't have put any paste on it, once pasted it's always pasted. If you had wanted a pasted strop you should have gotten another strop. In most cases a pasted strop isn't needed either. Tc

Definitely looks to be old Kanoyama to me.

That would be a nice surprise.