Thread: can using s slightly damaged strop hurt a razor?

So if I can get the sandpaper and smooth the nicks out, what if I don't have any of that conditioner/oil (neatsfoot )? Can I use the strop again w/out any conditioning other than the oil on my hand after smoothing out the nicks w/sandpaper?
Oh, one more. Is it good to rub the sandpaper on the whole surface of the strop, or just the small area where the nicks are?

Below are picks of my Filly with nicks. All the nicks are on the sides of the strop, not the surface. The last pic shows water spots on the surface of the strop caused by accidental splashing.

I know you can safely strop over those "embossed" logos and company names, so the same should apply to *most* nicks, I would think.

While on the subject of neatsfoot - does anyone know if you can use mink oil? I know that neatsfoot and mink oil are both used for the same purpose for leather in general - i.e., general conditioning and waterproofing.

[QUOTE=cannonfodder;539585]If the nick creates a small flap of leather that is sticking up in the breeze, yes. Been a long time since I nicked a strop but back in the day if it opened a small 'flap' of leather I would use a razor blade (utility knife not a shaving razor) to gently shave off the flap. While it will lay flat on half of the stroke, when you go back the other way it will raise up as the spine goes over it, or even worse catch the spine.

I cut into my strop today whilst lifting, the razor off, but fortunately didn't do too much damage .

Originally Posted by salazch

So if I can get the sandpaper and smooth the nicks out, what if I don't have any of that conditioner/oil (neatsfoot )? Can I use the strop again w/out any conditioning other than the oil on my hand after smoothing out the nicks w/sandpaper?
Oh, one more. Is it good to rub the sandpaper on the whole surface of the strop, or just the small area where the nicks are?

Below are picks of my Filly with nicks. All the nicks are on the sides of the strop, not the surface. The last pic shows water spots on the surface of the strop caused by accidental splashing.

I was wondering the same about sanding off the nicks and then not using any oil to dress the strop. I think if you lather up the strop it's the same thing, I could be wrong, and I wonder if anyone knows.