Red Imp strop

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07-13-2019, 07:44 PM
alex1921

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Red Imp strop

After having lunch on Thursday I made it to an antique shop and found a red imp strop. The thing was dried out and hard as a board.
Wanted to pick it up and try restoring it but they were asking too much for it, for my taste anyways so I passed.

Attachment 309182

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Attachment 309184
07-13-2019, 08:15 PM
Christian1

Saw one very similar to that at one place but it was folded up. They were asking a bit too much as well. Last 2-3 antique stores I have been to have had a fair share of extremely rusted straights for 50$+ =/.
07-13-2019, 08:58 PM
alex1921

I was a bit disappointed because the surface had no cracks or cuts but he didn't want to negotiate. He had straights, no rust but everything was 4/8. Not my cup of tea.
07-14-2019, 03:05 PM
Euclid440

Looks very savable, leave your contact info and offer, towards the end of the month some vendors get more “flexible”. Negotiation is a dance.

When hydrating, go slow adding oil and moisture a little at a time. It can take months, but those old strops are worth the effort, and a bit of money.

I have bought some for top dollar and some for a couple of bucks. They are all worth the money once restored.
07-14-2019, 06:22 PM
alex1921

That you Marty. I think that's what I was looking for, a little push :) Will give it a week and go back to see if we can make a deal.
08-13-2019, 02:41 AM
sloanwinters

i just picked up a similar red imp 700c today. pretty good shape with still some flex. hopeful it can be restored. do any members offer strop restoration services? or know where i might look?

thanks.
-s.
08-13-2019, 03:50 PM
thebigspendur

I've never heard of strop restoration services on this site.

Basically you get some quality leather cleaner and once cleaned up you use leather conditioner to restore it. There are several on the market; bick, leatherique or neatsfoot oil to name a few. Everyone has their favorites.
08-13-2019, 06:07 PM
Euclid440

I know the Razor Emporium does strop restoration, I have seen some of their work and it is ok, not near the level of some of the work posted on this site.

Restoration of a strop is dependent on the condition to begin with and can be very time intensive, making a full restoration not very profitable. Much like a razor many folks that do full restoration are not getting rich.

If you cannot find someone restoring to the level you are looking for, there are many good posts on how to do it, the trick it to go slow it is easy to do more damage than good.
08-14-2019, 03:00 AM
sloanwinters

thanks guys. yeah, thats what i am afraid of. taking what could be a beautiful strop and destroying it due to my inexperience.
08-14-2019, 07:02 PM
joelkerr

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloanwinters

thanks guys. yeah, thats what i am afraid of. taking what could be a beautiful strop and destroying it due to my inexperience.

If I learned to do it, you can too! There's a lot of great information on this forum, much of it from Euclid440. Restoring strops requires minimum investment in supplies (just sandpaper, mink oil or neatfoot oil or something similar, and some saddle soap), and some patience. That's it! Anytime you have questions, there are a lot of guys here who are happy to answer and to encourage - I know this from experience. Plus it's super satisfying to learn to do it yourself.
08-14-2019, 07:51 PM
alex1921

https://sharprazorpalace.com/stroppi...dry-dirty.html
I have used Euclid's method and it has worked very well.
08-14-2019, 10:50 PM
thebigspendur

I used to collect strops and my method was use bick leather cleaner which is designed for quality leather and just keep at it until the leather is clean. Then bick conditioner until the leather becomes supple. To finish it off a few DROPS of Neatsfoot oil. The time it takes and effort expended will depend on the shape the leather is in. It could take quite some time if it's in bad shape. Often times you have to treat both sides of the strop.

I have this thing about saddle soap. I don't like it except for what it is designed for, saddles and very tough leather. I keep water away from leather as a general rule.
08-15-2019, 11:41 PM
outback

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I used to collect strops and my method was use bick leather cleaner which is designed for quality leather and just keep at it until the leather is clean. Then bick conditioner until the leather becomes supple. To finish it off a few DROPS of Neatsfoot oil. The time it takes and effort expended will depend on the shape the leather is in. It could take quite some time if it's in bad shape. Often times you have to treat both sides of the strop.

I have this thing about saddle soap. I don't like it except for what it is designed for, saddles and very tough leather. I keep water away from leather as a general rule.

Funny how a pair of stiff leather boots become soft and comfy, after repeated exposure to getting wet, and soaking up foot sweat/oil. Just saying
08-16-2019, 02:47 AM
thebigspendur

Quote:

Originally Posted by outback

Funny how a pair of stiff leather boots become soft and comfy, after repeated exposure to getting wet, and soaking up foot sweat/oil. Just saying

Any boots I've had that got wet repeatedly and absorbed any natural oils only split and fell apart.
08-16-2019, 04:54 PM
Toroblanco

Water is just like everything! Use to much it can kill you, use to little it does little. Now use the right amout! Ah! Like a cold drink in a 100° day! Nothing better!