I have been restoring an old boar hide strop for a few months now. Bought it at antique store for $1, dirty as hell and stiff and dry as could be. Wanted to try resurrecting a vintage strop and end up with what I considered an uncommon material.

Started with good cleaning with arko shave soap thick lather and got all the dirt off. Been wiping with a damp sponge every other day or so to slowly rehydrate. Rub a few drops of neatsfoot oil in every couple weeks.

It looks good, leather is now flexible and supple, but the draw is still really glassy, like stropping on tile. Even just after oil or water when you'd expect it to be more grabby.

Does anyone have any advice on how to improve the draw? Was thinking of sanding with a high grit, or scotchbrite pad or something. Hate to ruin it at this point though.

Thanks.