Razor strop

A razor strop is a tool for maintaining the edge of a straight razor. Its leather surface is used for stropping the blade and should be distinguished from an ordinary strap or a honing stone.

Forms and use

A strop may be a hanging leather strip or leather mounted on a rigid support. Museums Victoria documents a leather example used in a barber’s shop in Carlton, Australia. Science Museum Group holds another made of wood, leather and slate. Materials and construction vary; one museum object does not describe every type.

Condition and documentation

Inspect leather for drying, cuts and separating layers, and examine stitching, fittings and markings. Retain information about accompanying razors or cases without assuming loose pieces originally belonged together. An old collectible strop is not automatically ready for use. Modern care advice for new leather strops should not be applied uncritically to historic objects.

Sources: Museums Victoria: lærstropp fra barbersalong; Science Museum Group: A86890; DOVO: funksjon og moderne bruksinformasjon.