Thread: Strop To Old?

Can a strop be to old? I was looking at some strops and some look very old. does the leather ware down? and or become to the point where it doesn't do the job no more?

if it is still supple and not cracked and dried out it ought to be good. Hard to say without a more detailed description and maybe some photos. I've got some very old strops that still give good service.

Yep, age has nothing to do with it. It's all about the condition.

With the exception of my strop from SRD, all of my strops are at least as old as I am. 29 and still holding!

this is the one i am speaking of but looking at many more. Please input...

VINTAGE LEATHER STROP 24" X 2 1/2" ~ SEAL BRAND # 106 - eBay (item 110624433346 end time Dec-20-10 10:44:47 PST)

ok I was putting this question off to spare myself the embarrassment.
But here it goes.
i recently picked up at a garage sale a belt made of what i believe to be cowhide. it looks like it has been never used. it is 2 3/4 inches wide. and the tag reads 100% oil saddle leather. the part which wraps around the back is about 13 inches long than the holes begin (double holes) that part is about 21 inches in length.
Can this be used as a strop? or is it a specific type of leather?
your comments are welcome, even if they are offensive...lol

You can use any strip of leather. I've used seat belts. The thing is a "real" strop works better than an old belt. I wouldn't go for that particular "Seal" brand strop myself. You have to understand that buying vintage strops on ebay can be like shooting dice.

99% of the time the seller is clueless about strops so asking questions, while a wise policy, doesn't always yield intelligent answers. Mostly you have to go by the photos. I would rather pay two or three times the price for a really good condition pro barber strop than ten bucks for a beat to death POS. YMMV. I'll send a pm with the item # I think you ought to consider but I may be wrong. Like I said, it is a crap shoot if you can't see it, feel it in your hands.

Strop plays very important role on straight razor shaving.
Straight razor edge is so thin and fragile it gets damaged very easily while you strop.
that is why i would say spend some money and get a good strop .
You can use anything from your belt to car seat belt but what they will do to your edge no one knows.
hope this helps. gl

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Strop plays very important role on straight razor shaving.
Straight razor edge is so thin and fragile it gets damaged very easily while you strop.
that is why i would say spend some money and get a good strop .
You can use anything from your belt to car seat belt but what they will do to your edge no one knows.
hope this helps. gl

I'd bey the most important characteristics would relate to the stop being smooth and consistent across the length with no lumps or bumps.