Strop Cleaning

D

dig-it

Joined
Dec 22, 2004
Messages
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Any recommendations on proper technique and materials needed to do a proper job of leather strop cleaning?
 
scrape off the excess with a iron/metal ruler or old knife or similar, then you could try using armorall to clean up the rest of the stropping compound off the leather. thereafter use some sandpaper to rough up the leather (as the armorall would make the leather very smooth and glossy), before applying new compound.

that was what was suggested to me. I'd like to hear other suggestions as well....
 
From a stropmaker (from a link in the HandAmerica site), simply use waterless hand cleaner (GoJo) to clean off the old compound. The lanolin in the GoJo is also good for the leather. I've done it several times to change compounds/grits. Works like a charm.

Rob
 
hrrm... well, my strop became quite smooth and dark immediately after a few uses. i guess my question would be, how do you know when it's time to clean your strop anyway?

abe m.
 
A carboard strop works in a "pinch", but a leather strop is much more effectrive, just from my own experience.

I use strop conditioner paste to clean mine, but I do not use the rough compounds though. I usually work the paste in by hand and use a clean rag to wipe the excess and dirt, grit, etc. off. Then I buff it with a clean cotton cloth.
 
spyder8 said:
kind of off topic but,
what do u guys think about a cardboard strop?
Click to expand...

Worth about what it cost. Will work though, but so will denim with your leg inside.

Rob
 
allyourblood said:
hrrm... well, my strop became quite smooth and dark immediately after a few uses. i guess my question would be, how do you know when it's time to clean your strop anyway?

abe m.
Click to expand...

Smooth is good for a strop (rough is a hone). If a little color (compound) comes off on your fingers rubbing on it, You're still good to go. Too much compound is usually the problem. VERY little is required for good results and just the weight of the blade on the strop. Little (compound) and Light (pressure) are the keywords here.

Rob
 
I clean mine with good old paper towel.Just rub it back and forth until it's clean.Try it,it really works. :)
 
I purchased the "Strop Block" and they don't specifically talk about cleaning. What they do say is that when the surface appears dry and/or the color (green) appears uneven, refresh the pad by rubbing a very light amount of OLIVE OIL into it with your finger. They are very specific about olive oil only, but that may be related to the fact that you may be stropping kitchen utensils.
 
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