Thread: Do antique strops still work?

Originally Posted by 1OldGI

the shave cave

I have heard of the "shave den" and a "man cave," but this is the first time I have heard the, "shave cave." I think I will be implementing the new terminology post haste. Now, I just need another bathroom to turn into my shave cave, sharing one with the Mrs and two little ones can be limiting on space.

I've used my DMT plates to sand/smooth my strop in the past. There are two benefits: a perfectly flat sanding surface, and no grit left behind. I stretched the strop out on the edge of my tub so it was on a flat surface. Kitchen counter would probably work too.

I think there's an optimum mounting height for a strop. For me it's an inch or two above elbow height, as measured with the strop-holding arm bent 90 degrees. At that height, the stropping elbow and strop-holding elbow are in the same plane (for me, at least) and that makes it easier for me to keep the blade flat on the leather while stropping.

I have a couple nice old strops which serve me well. Some others are decorators pieces!! If.. the leather is cracked and brittle, use the strop for a decoration. Cracks usually remain. If you have time and don't mind. Try the instructions above.

Originally Posted by Geezer

I have a couple nice old strops which serve me well. Some others are decorators pieces!! If.. the leather is cracked and brittle, use the strop for a decoration. Cracks usually remain. If you have time and don't mind. Try the instructions above.

+1
Most old strops are pretty bad, I've bought two good ones out of hundreds seen. Most are badly nicked or cracked or covered in gunk. But the two working ones I've found are pretty nice!

I have a strop, which is approximately 70 years old. Consists of two strops, horse hide and cow. First I ckeaned it with saddle soap, then polished with 800 & 1200 grit sandpaper, then once again cleaned with saddle soap. It is superb now, but a little soft for me. That is why I ordered one new horse hide strop.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

...which, like so many things in life, usually involve sandpaper, lard and a soda bottle.