Thread: Can anyone identify this vintage strop?

Originally Posted by mloyd

I took this strop to an old timey barber last week and he said my strop was too stiff and that I should apply some lather to it. This he said would make it more supple. Has anyone heard of using a leather strop with lather on it? This old barber had a strop that looked like leather had been caked on it for years...

That is only if you you use a lather with tallow in it.. Ig you use the modern day stuff it doesn't work as well..

Yeah. My lather probably doesn't have tallow in it...

I've often heard of Williams being used for lathering strops. When I do it I just lather it up like I'm going to shave, apply it to the strop and let it air dry overnight. A beat up old brush that you don't mind crudding up is handy for the purpose. Williams can be had at most grocery stores for a buck and some change.