Thread: Strop restoration help

Hey all,

Just got a vintage strop at the local antique store and had some questions on restoring it. Now, before I get too many "use Google" answers, I have looked through many threads on multiple forums. The strop at first glance looks to be in good shape other than the typical crud built up over the years. As I looked at it closer, I noticed that when I bend it slightly little cracks appear. To me they just seem like the typical cracks that appear when leather dries out, kinda like with a belt.

I was wondering:

1. If it is possible to restore a strop in this condition?
2. How to go about restoring it if it is possible?

I know it would be more helpful if i had pictures but unfortunately i wont be able to take any for a few more days but will put them up when i do.

OK, well it is difficult to say exactly whether it is restorable without seeing it, but here are some tips generally.

First, I would clean it up - get rid of the crud. If you can, take it apart (remove the hardware) but don't worry if it is riveted or whatever and you cannot. Damp cloth and some saddle soap seems to be the most recommended way to clean off crud. Let it dry completely - this may mean letting it sit for a day or two. Just air dry, don't get a hair dryer or anything like that, and keep it out of the sun. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times depending on how dirty it is, but hopefully you get it all on the first go round.

Second, assess the strop surface and deal with any bad nicks or gouges. If the surface is smooth, that is great. However, if there are nicks or cuts that might impact on the razor when stropping you need to smooth them out with sandpaper or a pumice stone or similar. Be careful to ensure that all the grit from the sandpaper or pumice is removed from the strop when you are done with that.

Third, treat the strop surface with a leather conditioner such as neatsfoot oil or similar. Be fairly liberal, and treat it a few times as it sounds as though your leather is quite dry. Work the leather with your hand regularly and see if you cannot bring it back to a more supple feel. Once it feels supple (and hopefully it will), you are done and can use it.

Good luck.

James.

please throw up those pictures, i am about to get my dads old strop. i am probably going to need to restore it as well. so i would love to see what you started with and what you end with.

Without photos it is impossible to tell. More importantly your strop is the last thing that touches your razors edge, before it touches your face. The strop and your stropping ability dramatically affect the razors edge.

A good quality, clean, smooth leather strop, will determine your success at maintaining your edge. Invest in the best quality strop you can afford and practice your technique.

Your stropping ability is more important than what you are stropping on. If you are new to stropping and using an old dried and cracked strop your chances of developing good skills are slim. Kind of like teaching someone to shoot with an old rusty boar rifle with bent sights.

Remove as many variables, to insure your success.

I agree with Jimbo's advice. I've restored many strops that didn't look great but the steps Jimbo suggests are excellent and they will bring a strop back to life.
Good luck