Thread: How do you break in a new strop?

I am thinking about getting a new strop, but breaking them in seems to be a lengthy process. My best strop is my oldest one. It's a bit short, but I always finish my stropping on it, as it seems to give a smoother edge than if I use a newer one. Having said that, I have had a latigo strop for some time now, and it is beginning to feel "right" (but I seem to strop better on a narrower strop than the one I have). Is there a quick way of doing it? Or is daily use, rubbing with hands, the razor, and occasionally some strop paste, the only thing that will do? Alternatively, have you guys had good experiences with used strops?

Take the strop pull it taught, take the heel of your hand and run it up and down until the leather warms a bit, last...use it, that's it! It will break in with use as all leather wil. If the draw is too slick for you Fromm strop dressing or neetsfoot oil will add some more to it. I went with the Fromm b/c it dries overnight instead of days. I will do that maybe once or twice a year.

Originally Posted by tiddle

Take the strop pull it taught, take the heel of your hand and run it up and down until the leather warms a bit, last...use it, that's it! It will break in with use as all leather wil. If the draw is too slick for you Fromm strop dressing or neetsfoot oil will add some more to it. I went with the Fromm b/c it dries overnight instead of days. I will do that maybe once or twice a year.

Thanks for the tip!

You can also wipe the oil off your nose with your palm and work that small amount of oil into the leather. It's the most natural oil you can use on a strop. (It won't work if you've already washed your face.) Nose oil has also been used for over a century to maintain fine ivory handles on knives and guns.

Originally Posted by RickfromLafayette

You can also wipe the oil off your nose with your palm and work that small amount of oil into the leather. It's the most natural oil you can use on a strop. (It won't work if you've already washed your face.) Nose oil has also been used for over a century to maintain fine ivory handles on knives and guns.

I liked that because I sat here telling myself jokes for about 15 minutes. It may be the best of advice and I take your word for it. May even try it next strop I get. I am just wondering, because my nose is so big, is there a chance of over oiling ? I could probably break in 3 new strops, and maybe a pistol too. Sorry , I just couldn't help myself.

Originally Posted by RickfromLafayette

You can also wipe the oil off your nose with your palm and work that small amount of oil into the leather. It's the most natural oil you can use on a strop. (It won't work if you've already washed your face.) Nose oil has also been used for over a century to maintain fine ivory handles on knives and guns.

Ive actually done this..that and the oil from my forehead. I usually shave at night, so while getting everything ready I'll swipe my palm over my forehead and nose area and then rub my strop until warm. Its worked well for me

Originally Posted by Catrentshaving

Ive actually done this..that and the oil from my forehead. I usually shave at night, so while getting everything ready I'll swipe my palm over my forehead and nose area and then rub my strop until warm. Its worked well for me

I do the same thing - I sometimes run my hand through my hair before rubbing the strop too. Just make sure your hand doesn't come back covered in dandruff or dye

Interestingly the Maori in New Zealand have been using the oils from their hair and forehead to polish Pounamu (greenstone/jade) carvings for centuries - it's good stuff!