How to Clean a Strop

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pinetree

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Jun 24, 2005
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I have a couple of strops I made from tooling leather. One is loaded with polishing compound, the other plain. I attach them to a piece of .25" x 4" wood using binder clips. The loaded one is getting really dirty. What is the best way to wash these? Also, should I oil both strops (Balistol) or just the loaded one or just the plain one?

Thanks,
tjg
 
I use waterless hand cleaner. Find some without pumice. I think I got this one at home depot.

Maybe saddle soap but I haven't tried it.
 
I don't bother cleaning mine unless I can actually see metal particles on it. Bare or loaded, they all get oiled periodically with Ballistol.

Once a year or so I'll resurface my strops. Lacking a pumice stone I just use an old coarse sharpening stone. I scrub it for a minute or two and it's left flat and looking like new. That's probably why I don't bother cleaning them.
 
I've been using the alcohol gel stuff and it seems to be working like a charm. I used to use the waterless hand cleaner from the local auto shop. 3 or 4 pumps in a plastic tub lasts quite awhile.

I was concerned about the alcohol gel drying out the leather that hasn't seemed to happen, probably due to the oils in the compounds.

Straight lanolin also works.
 
matt321 said:
I use waterless hand cleaner. Find some without pumice. I think I got this one at home depot.

Maybe saddle soap but I haven't tried it.
Click to expand...

This is what I use, a strop maker reccomended it. I use the GoJo without the pumice as I also use this at work (I'm a printer).

Very handy to change the grits on your strop. I have a 2 sided one from Lee Valley for use at work for my cardboard cutting knife and 6 or 8 different grit compounds from HandAmerican. The lower grits seem to work best for the cardboard.

Rob
 
I just did clean one of my strops here a while back. I used PROPERT's SADDLE SOAP and it did an excellent job. After I let the strop dry good overnight I used a little bit of Red Wing boot oil to soften it and keep it from drying out.

INteresting thread. I am looking forward to a lot of input on this one. I know there are several ways to clean leather but there are certainly some methods that are better than others.

It would be interesting to know what an old Barber might have used to clean his with ;)
 
I used warm water and a brush and Comet to clean mine, THOROUGHLY rinsing, of course. When dry, I rubbed the hell out of it with Fromm's strop dressing.

It worked, but I am actively seeking a better way. I think I'l try some of your ideas. Thasnks!!:) :) :)
 
I just wire brushed mine and then used an air compresor to blow it clean. but i dont know how well it will work if you use oil.
 
I havn't cleaned mine in a year, the compound is built up on it . I find mine has been getting a faster edge everytime I use it.
 
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