Thread: Two of a Good Thing..

I recently purchased a Tony Miller 3" Artisan and it goes without saying that it is immaculate! Now, I realize that strops will last for a very long time if cared for properly. On another note, I have in the past went to a store looking for a product that I wanted only to find it has been discontinued, which leaves me very disappointed! So....in an attempt to make sure I always have a Tony Miller strop, I went ahead and bought a spare strop to have in the event I damage one beyond repair or he no longer makes this particular strop.
My dilemma is this, being an exact duplicate of what I am currently using, how should I store this strop long term? Keep it in the bag it came in? Take it out and hang it? Throw it into the current rotation so it gets a hand rubbing once a week or so? My ideal situation would be not using it and storing long term, however I would not be opposed to throwing it into the rotation...I realize this is a wonderful "problem" to have.

I know guys like you!
Throw it into the rotation, I say. If you have twice the great strops to fuss over, you will be twice as deliberate and careful in your stropping! Simple!

my Tony Miller strop is about six or seven years old now and has been just fine hanging from a hook in the closet
although it does get plenty of use

If you are not going to use it i'd leave it flat, don't bend it and put it in a cloth type bag that breathes and keep it away from the sun and temperature extremes. Check it every so often so it doesn't dry out on you.

I would put them into a one month rotation. Be sure to rub the strop with your palm each time you use the strop.
I would be leary of storing the strop in a bag made from an absorbent material. I now use polyester material for my strop bags. They will not absorb the oils out of the leather.

Just my 2¢