Thread: Conditioning an old strop?

OK, so I'm an old hand and I decided to try going back to a Straight Razor after over 40 years (most of which I used a Safety Razor but the last 15 or so I used disposables). I dug around and found most of my kit, but, truthfully I can't remember what sort of care the strop required.

My strop is a CRAFTSMAN BUTT HORSE HIDE BARBERS SPECIAL with the second strap being a WON'T KINK IN DAMP WEATHER SILK FINISH strap. I've been reading posts and watching YouTube videos. I've had it hanging up for many years now and except for some dust and dirt that accumulated over the years it is in very good condition. Do I need to condition either of the two straps before I start to use it and if so what should I be using (I read about different color pastes.)?

I plan to attempt to use my old (carbon steel) GENCO (Made in Genesse New York) MASTER BARBER razor. The edge is quite clean and I think with some attention on the strop it will bring back its edge sharp enough to shave with.

I have one of those Genco's myself. Good blades. They take a nice edge. As far as your strop goes, it depends. Really, it's like any other leather. You can clean it with Saddle Soap and re condition it with a very, very small amount of Neetsfoot Oil. Most of the razor shops online, like SRD carry strop conditioner, like Fromms, IIRC.

Stay away from the pastes. You don't want to put any of that on your daily strop. Most of those are for refreshing dull edges.

If your leather is in good shape, and is not dry, You can use the oils from your skin, seriosuly. Rubbing it daily with your hands will condition it without changing the draw of the leather, or drag (resistance)
Once you start oiling it with neetsfoot or the like, It will change the draw.

P.S. Make sure your hands are not freshly washed, but not dirty either.........!

Rich

First rubbing ones hand on ones forehead may help, if the hand is a little bit dry.