Thread: glazed, stiff Latigo

I have a very similar issue with a latigo strop that I have. It seems very slippery and doesn't give me any real draw. The surface is super stiff and shiny too. \
I've been considering the pumice stone as well...

Originally Posted by heirkb

I have a very similar issue with a latigo strop that I have. It seems very slippery and doesn't give me any real draw. The surface is super stiff and shiny too. \
I've been considering the pumice stone as well...

+1 on that, i HAD the same problem also, to fix it,i put a good coat of neetsfoot oil on it and let it soak in overnite and then just rubbed the strop with the heel of my hand until it got to hot and just kept repeating the rubbing.

Have you flexed it to help break it in. Something not sharp
like a knife steel or the back of a kitchen knife. Let it hang loose
and run it up and down a dozen times a couple days in a row.

While I do not like them, a fast strop should still strop up a razor well.

Typically all Latigo strops are pretty slick and may feel stiffer when new although some are treated differently and may feel more supple. The thicker the Latigo, the stiffer it will typically feel. The main thing is that they develop the heavy draw they are known far as they are or after they are broken in. They take a fair amount of palm rubbing and I like to use a couple of sparse neatsfoot oil treatments. Because of the oil and waxes used in the tanning, they will also typically leech a little bit as they are breaking in which I have never seen harm a razor when stropping. When you get past this stage, start enjoying the heavier draw. You can still strop and get decent results along the way. Just make sure that the edge and spine are on the strop and you roll on the spiine. Don't be in a hurry to win any races.

Lynn

Thanks for the warning about using sandpaper. I didn't think about the possibility of leaving imbedded grit! You guys saved me, not for the first time.

I did go with the pumice stone. Again, you were right. It seems to lift a very small "nap" in the glazed leather. Followed this with neatsfoot. Waited 24 hours. Better, but after 30 passes with a razor, the leather again became glazed, though less so. Long story short, I've repeated the pumice and oil treatment a couple more times, and seem to be getting closer to what I'm looking for. I think I will get there eventually, with a little work and perseverance (funny how that always seems to work).

Thanks for others validating I'm not the only one who's encountered this issue. Even if it means periodic "treatment" to keep the leather as I want it, I'm looking forward to a long and happy relationship with my Latigo.