Thread: Vintage Linen: Thoughts...

So I started this thread because the info is out there but not consolidated (that I could find).

I have some vintage linen/canvas/material strops (two in NOS condition); I have a canvas strop from Kenrup (on a paladin); I have a new(er) Illinois strop with linen component; I have seen SRD's wares; and I have Belfast Linen (which is an actual type of fabric it turns out).

Observations:
Now many of us know that the Illinois feels like plastic, and many vintage strops feel like they are pretreated with something. Of all the "new" vendor/artisan strops I have handled all of them came close but no cigar to the vintage stuff. 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.

So now for the questions:
-Anyone know what the vintage strops are treated with?
-Anyone know what Illinois is treating their strops with?
-Am I correct in thinking that the vintage linen is a mild abrasive (due to the darkening with use)?
-If I wanted to simulate the vintage strop with belfast linen, should I use Dovo white paste (apparetnly non-abrasive, just a treatment) or when I paste with CrO or CeO or other final, light abrasive is this effectually the same?

I really like the vintage linen components and I want to replicate them somehow. Any ideas?

Originally Posted by khaos

Observations:
Now many of us know that the Illinois feels like plastic,


Any ideas?

Yeah one... Keep stropping, or use a stiff nylon scrub brush to break it in faster...

The difference between a good "strop" and a bad strop can sometimes be the same as the difference between a good and bad haircut TIME>>>

Regular olé white chalk and a can of fabric starch will teach you much...

One thing that you also have to realize about the SRD strops is that Lynn and Don really went out of their way to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the break in period on their stuff...

Glen I think you misinterpreted this. I broke it it and it feels like "linen" this was my first strop and its well broken it. The plastic comment was intended to mean that it feels like plastic not cloth... and is therefore obviously treated with something. What though?

EDIT:
Also, even if it wasn't broken in, I still "practice" stropping on it even though I have nicer strops now... there've probably been hours where I just stand and strop on it to practice the motions.

No misinterpretation at all, I have had multiple Illinois strops and they all go through the same process....
They are a tuff linen fabric to break in ... So were many of the vintage strops, I happen to have a NOS Craftsman Butt Shell that has almost the exact same linen component to it and it feels the same...
They do get way better with use,,,

Edit: I have my very first strop from 1981, an Illinois #805 IIRC (can't remember the number and it is long ago worn away) and that linen component is as soft and supple as they can be, and it has had multiple cleanings and re-pastes through the years...

Alright fine that aside I am not asking how to break them in I am asking what they are treated with, is it actually abrasive (as in more than plain fabric) or am I imagining it and how can I take plain fabric and make it be similar.

Originally Posted by khaos

I really like the vintage linen components and I want to replicate them somehow. Any ideas?

I think the KEY POINT, at the END, that you yourself QUOTED and then didn't answer, is that I know about and use vintage linen, and am looking for a way to replicate it..................

I do realise Lynn and Don went through a great deal to get a great product, and that is what they sell, but it is just not for me. Thats all. I'm not knocking their thing. In fact I use my plain canvas between the weird vintage stuff and leather. I'm asking a completely unrelated question.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Regular olé white chalk and a can of fabric starch will teach you much...

..

1234567890

I have been rubbing my linen side with chalk. does fabric starch help keep the chalk in the fabric?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

1234567890

Thanks. I think a lot was missed by our rapid re-edits. Any idea how to apply it? Is the chalk even abrasive? Because my "honing" strop definitely has streaks of steel.

Other way around spray then rub.... you want the chalk on top...

White Dovo paste works well too

So does Turtle Wax white paste polishing compound

I have used quite a few things over the years

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?