Thread: CrOx encrusted strop

I have acquired a strop, the fabric side of which is absolutely encrusted with
chromium oxide paste: it is very thick, mostly dried up, and feels rough to
the touch. I don't want to touch it with a razor until it's all removed. The
underlying fabric is purported to be a fine linen, so it may be worth attempting
a salvage job.

I have already carefully scrapped off a good bit of it, using the back of a butter
knife. I followed that with rubbing with a soft cotton cloth. Quite a lot of CrOx
still remains embedded in the fabric.

Mastro Livi recommends cleaning a strop with lighter fluid. OK, but I want to try
to do as little damage as possible to the fabric. I understand that it may never
come completely clean, and may forever remain a CrOx pasted strop, but that's
OK, too.

I just don't want to wreck it. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

I tend to head to the back sink with a stiff Nylon brush, hot hot water and Tide to get linen clean

A picture might be nice?

I may be mistaken but I believe that once a strop is 'pasted' it's pasted for life. While you may be able to get the majority of the CrOx off there will always remain small particles.

Pictures my friend

Lots of old fabric strops came with a waxy,chalky substance. Some were green in color.
I have one.
That would not be CroOx.

Boil it in Oxyclean if that is the case.

While I do not disagree with anything said above, I think that soap and water is your friend and while drying it you should try to keep it flat perhaps with some thick fabric between it and the leather if it is together but ideally it should be disassembled. Of it is disassembled flat is still good and try to beware of shrinking being a possibility depending on what it is made from.

Many thanks, y'all! It's all good info. I'll work on it tomorrow. I might even take a picture.

Oh come on Paul, we LOVE PICTURES! Please? Pretty Please??

Indeed, a picture before you do anything will be a positive.
We seem to be speculating about a crusty green strop?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Indeed, a picture before you do anything will be a positive.
We seem to be speculating about a crusty green strop?

Sorry...too late. As I said, I've already removed most of the "crust" which, by the way,
is definitely CrOx. However, to satisfy my friends, I will take a picture of the thing in
its present condition.

And, as long as you compel me to borrow my daughter's camera in the first instance,
I will photograph the "job" along the way. We aim to please.

I should have mentioned this before: it's a loom strop, and the leather/linen are sewed
together in a loop. That makes it kinda difficult to throw it in the wash, but I'm willing
to try anything else short of that. As it is now, I can't imagine that it could be any good
for a razor.

If I can just get it back to a smooth finish, I'll be a happy camper. CrOx forever is OK
with me, as long as it does no damage.