Thread: Red Imp Strop

I recently grabbed a very good condition vintage strop at a flea market, and I had some questions about its use and care.

It is leather and Canvas, but the canvas side has some fraying at the edges as well as black spots galore that look like dirt and oil (compound?), but possibly mold. I'm going to say not mold, because they are on the side that faces the leather and the leather has no mold. Do I need to clean these spots off, or just use it as-is? I'll post some pics up soon, I don't have my camera with me atm.

Also, Neatsfoot oil is best for the leather, but what do I use on the cloth? just normal stropping compound?

Lastly, Do I need to do anything to the frayed edges of the canvas? Is there anything I can do for them?

Red Imp was the top of the line of a company that made a variety of pro barber strops ... Certifyd. It is a cordovan shell with a linen second component. What I do with vintage linen is wash it in cold water with Woolite. I let it air dry on a flat surface. If it has lumps or creases I lay a telephone book or two on the linen overnight.

I wouldn't apply neatsfoot to the leather unless it is really dry. If you do remember a little goes a very long way and it will increase the draw (resistance) of the strop. Palm rubbing is what I do over a long period of time. You have a great strop there if it is in good shape.

I don't know what to tell you about the fraying. I might trim it with a sharp scissor or I might leave it ..... depends.

I have a Red Imp razor marked "Case." Did they make strops as well or did they vend this out or did Case acquire Red Imp at some point?

red Imp wasn't a company. it was a model name. The strops were made by a strop making outfit and just put the name on probably under commission to the owner of the red Imp logo. There were a few companies who made red Imp razors. Case was one and Morris was another and there is at least one other out there.

I say this to folks that are new to vinge (and new) strops, so if you have seen this statement before disregard... Use that neatsfot spareingly.. You can really screw up a good strop dousing it with neatsfoot..

I won an old red imp in nos condition on ebay several months ago. Its the best strop I have ever used...they're great.