Thread: An old strop I had been flattening for 2 years!

I have just finished doing what I could with a vintage Biber strop which was in much much much worse shape than yours. Initially, I thought the main problem was that it had been folded.

As time went on, and I moisturised the strop, the creases where it had been folded became entirely invisible. The leather did crack during the moisturising and flexing process, which could have been due to my technique or the fact that the leather is old and shot. Or maybe a bit of both.

Regardless, even after being folded and with cracks, it is now my favourite strop.

The lesson for me is, the only real test is how well a strop strops, and you might be surprised.

(Full account including before and after pictures here: https://sharprazorpalace.com/strops/...ml#post1905668)

Rolling on a hanging rolling pin will get it out, make sure it is well hydrated and go slowly bending a little at a time and continuing to hydrate with a spray of water or damp sponge and few drops of oil on both sides.

It may take a few days to get it to fully bend around the roller, roll a bit let it rest and hydrate for a few hours, then bend and roll a bit more. If you feel or hear it crack, stop and hydrate more and wait for it to absorb.

Rolling and hydrating will smooth and flatten a strop. You can pick up a rolling pin at a dollar or thrift store.

My goodness, you never know what you might learn from this site. Thanks to all of you.