To clean or to replace linen

[Axeman556]

Hi gang! I recently acquired two very nice vintage shell strops one is a broncho, the other a Clydesdale brand. The leather components on these were in immaculate condition. The linen components however look like they've been drug through the mud!! One has a gummy sticky substance that I can only assume is a old stropping compound. The other is just down right dingy and dirty. Other than. Being filthy both are in nice shape. Is it worth trying to clean or should I just bite the bullet and replace
Them with new linens.

[gssixgun]

I have had good luck cleaning them

Plain old Powder Laundry Detergent a stiff Nylon brush in the Utility sink has given surprisingly good results

If they come clean I will give you the trick to reconditioning the surface my barber taught me years ago or you can use the Dovo or the TI white paste

[Axeman556]

Thank you glen

[bouschie]

Take the strop apart. Wash with cold water, dish liquid and stiff finger nail brush. Rinse thoroughly. Lay on flat surface between 3-4 sheets paper towel bottom and top. Place cutting board on top for weight. Or just hang straight (clip a small weight to bottom).

If leather is dirty clean with saddle soap and soft brush and dry flat. Apply small amount of neetsfoot oil to back of strop.

[PaulFLUS]

Yep. If it's flax it is really tough (you'll know because when you wash it it will get stiff if it's flax linen) and unless it's ripped you should be able to save it. It's at least worth having a go at it.

[Axeman556]

So I've had great success getting them clean , I soaked them over a period of 3 days changing the water and dishsoap oxyclean solution. They now look brand new will post up some pictures later today! Thank you all for the great tips!!

[Axeman556]

Okay the moment you all waited for , check these puppies good as new!! I can't believe how clean they came!

[PaulFLUS]

Nice work sir.

[Axeman556]

Nice work sir.

Thanks brotha!!!

[PaulFLUS]

So did it stiffen up when you washed it?