Quote Originally Posted by zib View Post
Why would you treat a brand new Latigo strop with neetsfoot oil, I'm curious...I have a bunch, and have never had to treat a Latigo...? It's already treated to make it "latigo" unless Tony Miller lied to me..? To each his own I guess. All I do is rub them with my hand...Did they tell you to do that...? I've read all kinds of stuff guys do to strops on here, from Ballistol to Shave cream, and that's cool, but the best way, is just to use it, and rub it with the palm of your hand..I understand about wanting to break it in quicky, but nothing about this hobby is fast...

Now, I've cleaned leather strops before with Saddlesoap, and because of the drying effect, I've treated with neetsfoot oil after. the strops are never the same after that...As I said, whatever floats your boat, and if you think it's better, than great...!

P.S You might want to lay that strop out on some paper towels or something absorbent, leather side down, with some weight on it to suck up the excess moisture...



Rich
I was told by Ray Fournier at Gentlemens Best where I purchased it, and I've read it in quite a few posts having to do with breaking in a new leather strop. Also, I hope I didn't lead anyone to believe I treated the strop to the point that it was dripping neatsfoot oil. I used a few drops down along the length of the strop and the shoulders which I then thoroughly rubbed into the front and back by hand. The "moisture" that I spoke of on the surface of the strop was a few drops of water that shook off my hand as I was stropping a few passes after a shave. I don't plan on treating the strop with any more oil anytime soon, but it did sop up those few drops like a sponge. I did notice the feel of stropping was a bit "softer" after the oil treatment, but I do believe this one has a long way to go before it's in prime condition. In the meantime, I have decided to start with the new strop for 60 or so passes, then finish up on my old starter strop for about 20 more. Seems to be doing the trick.

Thank you Lynn. As usual, your help is invaluable.