Thread: Should this strop be retired?

A couple years back my Aunt gave me a strop that she said had been my grandfather's. Grandpa was born in 1899 so it is possible this strop is 80 years old. It is two pieces of leather sewn at each end. On one end there is a bracket with a swivel-ring and on the other a heavy wire bale for holding. On the leather sides at the bale end where the strops are sewn together the words "PIG SKIN 22" is embossed. At the swivel end on one side the word "SHARPEN" is embossed, and one the other side it reads "FINISH." The strops are definitely pigskin as you can see the the texture that is characteristic of pig skin leather. The strops are about 2 1/4 inches wide and 20 inches long. There are no other identifying marks.

The strops are still very flexible and show no signs of cracking. There is one bad nick on the edge of the finish side that looks like someone tried to strop a blade by pushing it edge first up the strop. The nick is full thickness and about 1/8-3/16 deep into the strop.

With the strop I received a brush as well. It's a Rubberset in reasonable condition.

Receiving these items got me thinking about straight razor shaving and finally a week back I bought a Dovo 98 from a hardware store in Ocean Park, Washington. Of all places. Its a beautiful blade. Has gold plating (I think its more likely brass, but the store owner was sure it's gold), full hollow grind, 5/8 wide. It has a buffalo horn "canoe" handle. It's a very beautiful tool.

I have used it a few times now, and I worry that the strop may not be doing all that it should be. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you.

Following are pictures as requested. One will be the full strop. Then close-ups of the "Finish" end, the "Sharpen" end, the "Pigskin 22" end, and the nick.

Thanks again