Old strop

[drathgeb]

I found an old strop at an antique store today. Seemed in real good condition with no major nicks. The leather and linen feel greasy. Can it still be used?

[Kentos]

Sure you can. I believe there is an article in the Wiki dealing with strop restoration.

[Slash McCoy]

Certainly, if it's not cracked or cut up, and if it is still supple.

[Giant Kiwi]

I restored my wife's grandfathers' strop by washing the linen by hand and drying it flat. Thankfully it didn't noticibly shrink.
As for the leather I have over the course of the last couple of months rubbed it down with oil bit by bit.
The top broke from from the clasp due to age and mistreatment over the years so the leather is shorter than the linen.
Still it works a treat.

[drathgeb]

It is not in that bad of condition as best I can tell. No major nicks. As far as supple goes, it is not dried out but is a bit greasy. The blade slides across it very fast. Almost doesn't feel like it is working. The linen is also greasy feeling but is also covered in some dark material. Here are some pics. Any advice or knowledge about who made the strop would be appreciated.

[Al Phil]

I'm new to this and not sure if this is the place to post, but I will anyways.

I, too, bought an old leather strop, but I'm more curious about its origin/age. It's stamped with this on the handle:

STENGER&BERLINER
PORTLAND
SEATTLE
U.S.A.
535

Then further down the handle it says Beaver Brand.

Would anyone happen to know anything about this? Or possibly know someone who could help me out?
Thanks.

[alitkty]

Strop restoration is a difficult thing imho..

[paco664]

get some saddle soap and go to town on it........

i had a old horsehide strop that was dirtier than that.... took about 9 good cleanings with saddle soap and it became my favorite strop... but i ruined it on vacation because it was in my saddle bag on my bike and i got rained on and the bag was touching the exhaust and the heat "shrunk" the leather in the middle....

sad...