Thread: Vintage shell strops and couple of horse hide

To weigh in on the 700 & 700C discussion I’m thinking the 700 is shell and the 700C shell Cordovan. The coloring and difference in draw fits in my mind. My 700 has a slicker faster draw, where my 700C has a draw similar to my Kanayama. Just a thought.

For you fellas that have vintage strops I picked one up this week in fine condition. The Shell is damn near perfect but the linen has a waxy like compound on it that looks like it is supposed to be on there, its very stiff, I did a few laps and inspected the edge with a loupe and wasn't happy so gave it a good wash and soak. Most of the wax is off, its still very stiff however. Thoughts please.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

For you fellas that have vintage strops I picked one up this week in fine condition. The Shell is damn near perfect but the linen has a waxy like compound on it that looks like it is supposed to be on there, its very stiff, I did a few laps and inspected the edge with a loupe and wasn't happy so gave it a good wash and soak. Most of the wax is off, its still very stiff however. Thoughts please.

Sounds like a previous owner might have applied something like the TI white crayon to the fabric. I have made that mistake myself and decided to wash it out afterwards.

I dont think someone has applied it the front and backs coated in the stuff like it was compleatly submerged in it.

I also have the hard waxy linen on my Red Imp. Believe that was common. There are a few threads that discuss how to soften them up. I don’t use linen so have not address this issue.

They did that back in the day. Now, it makes a mess.

An old saucepan you don't care about. Roll it up and put it in . Boiling water, laundry detergent.
Boil awhile, take it out and scrape it off with a spatula. Change water and repeat.
I used Oxyclean. Don't know if you have that or an equivalent. flatten sandwiched in a towel to dry.
Works nicely

Cheers mate. Thought that might be the way to go. Does it still retain its stiffness?

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Cheers mate. Thought that might be the way to go. Does it still retain its stiffness?

Depends if it has a stiffener in it. Mine did so it retained some backbone but unless it does it will be pretty floppy.

Wolfpack uses starch. I never have.
If you stop and let dry, test in between boilings. you can get it like you want.
Lotsa that chalky waxy stuff in them.

those are perfect! Nothing beats a well cared for strop!