Thread: Is this strop salvageable?

I am new to this forum and was hoping to get a little assistance. I acquired my grandfather's razors, hones and strop. I don't know exactly how old everything is but I am guessing at least 50+ years based on my mother's memory. The razors I have sent out to be refurbished (and I will post pics in the proper forum when they come back) and I have posted pictures of the hones in the proper forum. I was hoping some folks could help me determine if this strop is usable. Im guessing it's 50+ years old. I know it may be hard to determine from photos - i will gladly answer questions or take more photos if folks think it will be helpful. Thanks so much for any guidance.

Hard to say from the photos but I would say maybe. If there are no deep nicks in the horse or bad bends that have left creases it ought to be. I'd treat it with saddle soap, not getting it too wet, and then lightly apply neatsfoot oil. The lumpy linens I've gotten with vintage strops responded well to a wash in cold water in a bucket with Woolite. Then air dry flat with a telephone book or something like it laying on it. If you run your fingers over the surface of the leather you want it to be smooth. Some guys sand them if need be but if you can leave the finished surface of the original intact you're better off IMO.

It's hard to tell from the pics because you can't tell the surface condition. If it's smooth and supple and not overly dry and as Jimmy said free from nicks and cuts and creases you should be OK. I' not a big fan of sanding unless it's to get a small cut out. I would rather clean and condition.