So I got the strops today. They absolutely stink!!!! Its like a old sooty, sweaty smell.

The first one was falling apart - I doubt it can be salvaged

The second one was stiff but ok until I started to clean it and some stitches came out of the handle with only slight force. It has two leather sides.

The 3rd one The 'Scorcher' does look like it hasn't been used. It still has the paper label around the canvas. But it does have a bend 2 thirds up it where its been folded. Ive given it a clean with some leather cleaning wipes and then cleaned it with the TOOBS Sandlewood Soap and Stropped it with a glass bottle. Ive now put it wrapped in kitchen towel under several heavy boxes to straighten it out.

I intend to use the two leather sides of the second strop to make my own paddle.

I'll get some photo's up soon

Any suggestions?