So I recently posted looking for a used strop and ended up getting to meet a fellow straight shaver. Pretty cool needless to say to get the chance to meet new people.
Ended up grabbing a vintage Russian Leather strop, with what looks like a very thick coarse linen that has a bunch of crusty paste on one side. Not really sure what to do with it, after a wash its still all crusty.
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I plan on just giving the leather a wash with a damp microfiber, and then lightly sanding out the scratches with 2500 w/d 3m sand paper. Keeping the paper wet. Other than that she still feels really supple but will most likely stiffen up a little after all the moisture. So maybe a touch of mink oil. I will post pictures as I progress with it.
The other strop I got was a smaller Latigo, Cowhide combo.
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I plan on really doing something with this one. Completely refinishing the leather on both, and seeing how nice I can make them. The Latigo honestly only needs a good sanding and maybe a little mink oil. The cowhide is really rough and dry and will need a little more work. Plan on making it my travel strop, so if I lose it I won't be heart broken. Again will post pictures as I progress.