Vintage Shell strop

[Aquanin]

I just got a vintage c-mon shell strop in very good condition. There are no nicks or anything all I did was treat it wth a little neatsfoot and saddle soap and its good to go. Leather is super smooth and supple. However, I am used to Latigo, and this shell stop has zero draw. Is this how it's supposed to be?

Also the linen is embedded with wax of some sort. Whats the best way to clean this side?

Thanks.

 

[jkh]

Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

 

[jtrops]

I have a vintage shell strop that I have been using for years. It has very little draw, if any. Of course the neatsfoot oil gives it a bit. I used neats foot when I first got it, but have since used lather rubbed in with the heal of my hand. Mine has been an excellent strop.

I've never tried a latigo, at least not yet, so I can't compare. From what I understand the latigo offers a lot of draw which some people prefer. I haven't had any problems with my strop that have made me want more draw, but I should try it out to see how I like it. It seems like these two strops are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.

I don't know about the wax on the canvas. My canvas is a very stiff piece of webbing, and it seems to have a mild abrasive in it. I cleaned it off with water when I got it, but it was in pretty good shape so I never did more.