Thread: Vintage Linen: Thoughts...

Originally Posted by khaos

My one strop said "Belfast Linen" so out of curiosity I researched this and bought a sample, the fabric looks the same but the strop is treat and the linen is well, not.

I would like to try the same thing you're attempting. I looked online for linen and could not find any. Will you please tell us where you were able to order it? Thanks.

Originally Posted by khaos

The dovo white seems to me the most accessible. Well and chalk.

So here's my plan:
Cut a couple strops from my linen, paste one with the white dovo, and past ethe other with starch and chalk. Is there any specific method for starching and chalking? and can I just use chalkboard chalk?

Tell me more about your linen. What weave is it,
what thread count and weight (per sq. yard).

I ask because as stiff as the Illinois canvas one of the things I
dislike is the buzz because it is a common weave and not a
denim weave.

The stiffness of the Illinois canvas would not feel so bad to
me if it was woven differently.

Sizing is necessary to stabilize the dimensions of the strop
and in the case of the Illinois it also glues the cut edge so
it does not fray.

I would be interested in weave and edge finish of various
strops and match that to the value users give each.

One thing for us to look at is the edges of the seat belt and the
various weaves that are used. Some weaves are very smooth
while others are less so. Also what are the big straps that truckers
use to tie down their loads. Some look as if they are 2" or 3"
wide nylon. A worn used one might make a nice strop.

Stuff like this webbing for outdoor chairs has me curious:
Artek Alvar Aalto Webbing - Artek Finnish Furniture

Hemp webbing, it could work and comes in various weaves and widths.

Originally Posted by sffone

I would like to try the same thing you're attempting. I looked online for linen and could not find any. Will you please tell us where you were able to order it? Thanks.

Belfast linen is by definition a certain weave and thread count, its either 36 or 40 can't remember. looks like a reqular weave I think sorry....

I took a close look (under a microscope see below edge on view ) at the "fine weave linen finish" half of an Illinois 206 strop and realized why it feels so stiff... It appears to be made of 2 layers of webbing type material glued together in a sandwich with the glue compound in the middle providing the rigidity. And, the fibres of the fabric look suspiciously synthetic. So...I am thinking its not the same as the vintage stuff. And, they aren't relally calling it linen anyway, just "linen finish".

Originally Posted by dgstr8

I took a close look (under a microscope see below edge on view ) at the "fine weave linen finish" half of an Illinois 206 strop and realized why it feels so stiff... It appears to be made of 2 layers of webbing type material glued together in a sandwich with the glue compound in the middle providing the rigidity. And, the fibres of the fabric look suspiciously synthetic. So...I am thinking its not the same as the vintage stuff. And, they aren't relally calling it linen anyway, just "linen finish".

I just got a 361 with the linen finish, and the rigidity on that thing makes me nervous to even use it. It looks like it might eat sharp edges for breakfast.

Going back to the original post...
"-Anyone know what the vintage (linen) strops are treated with?"
I checked some vintage textbooks and found...

- Mack's Barber Guide: says both leather and linen may be treated with any of the following: Beeswax, parrafin, charred paper, soap.

- Practice and Science of Barbering: rub with dry soap then rub with glass bottle

- Booker's Secrets of Barbering: Rub a ball of beeswax against it then folow with the back of a razor or some similar steel object. Then, periodically lather it with a brush and scrape off excess with back of shears. (mind you this guy says you should strop with the spine lifted off the strop!)

Originally Posted by sffone

I would like to try the same thing you're attempting. I looked online for linen and could not find any. Will you please tell us where you were able to order it? Thanks.

I found a square of Belfast Linen at Michaels Art Supply/Craft store for $10.00. It's 32 threads per inch pure belfast linen in a cream color. Its sold to be used as a high end fabric for cross stitch. I am going to have to decide which way to fold it and stich it to deal with the edges, but I am excited about trying it.

I also see it online at Willow Fabrics 32 count Belfast