restored paddle strop

[ianb527]

I bought a bunch of stuff on craigslist (including a dovo straight and a DE razor) and got a paddle strop - a 'star shaving'. The leather seemed to be a typical vegetable tanned 8-10 oz and had little dents in it from being stored against things in a drawer and it felt kindof wash-boardy. I was all set to replace the leather, but decided to try flattening it. I wet sanded it with 400, 800, 1200, 2000 papers. Then dry-sanded it with 3000 wet or dry. It has a wonderful feel now and works really well.
Just wondering how many people have tried this - sanding leather down to really fine grits.

 

[Twelvefret]

I wouldn't sand anything leather. Perhaps others with experience can explain how sanding makes an improvement in strop leather.

 

[Dick peck]

I have about twenty vintage strops. I think I've tried everything . I would usually read a little on the subject and try something someone else had done. Flattening,sanding and treating with oil. I have found some of these strops to be good as new . Others were just too far gone . I do enjoy taking something that is basically trash and bringing it back to life. Enjoy the strop. Oh and a pic or two is good if you want to share the finished product.

 

[Seveneighth]

I have sanded a number of strops. I find that a 1k will increase the draw - especially if followed by a strop balm, a 3k will often reduce the draw. Just my experience.

 

[Tony Miller]

Sanding is fine as long as you make sure all abrasive grit is removed and not embedded into the surface.