Chrisl

I'm new to this excellent forum and have done some searching for information on how (if possible) to break in heavier weight veg tanned cowhide; I couldn't find anything definitive. Here's what I'd like to accomplish: I'd like to take 2 1/2" x 24" strips of heavy veg tanned cowhide (the heavier/thicker the better) and somehow break them in so the strips are very pliable. I don't want to use some sort of oil as I'd like to keep the leather the un-oiled color and ultimately sand the surfaces to a nubuck finish. If I physically drew the strip towards me by pulling it across a smooth vertical metal post, over and over and over, would the strip eventually become very pliable? Without some sort of chemical conditioner or oil I would think the only way to make the fibers more relaxed would be tons of plain old hard work? These strips would be used to make straight razor strops. The vintage razor strops in the hey day of straight razors 100+ years ago were often made of very thick (around 1/4") cowhide but were luxuriously pliable rather than stiff. Most of those were darker in color, so maybe some chemical method was used? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! Chris L

Update on my progress. I took the advice to sand the leather surface of a strip of horsehide to get a nubuck type surface. It worked just beautifully. I sanded both the grain side and the flesh side with 400 grit sandpaper. And actually dropped down to 150 grit with no ill effects. The grain side is of course softer and silkier to the touch, but the flesh side has a perfect velvety nap to it. Just great. Thanks! Chris L

Thank you for your reply. I have plenty of corners that I can try sanding to see if it works. Do you have a suggestion on what grit sandpaper I would try? Thank you.

Hello everyone. I'm a new member that found this forum just today. I must first ask you all to forgive my ignorance regarding leather in general. I have almost no knowledge in this area! I use leather everyday however since I shave exclusively with a straight edge razor. Razors must be stropped on leather for maximum effectiveness. Typically these days cowhide is the most used form of leather for strops with horseside (horse butt) a close second. In the past, the shell portion of the horsehide was used to make the best leather strops. Blah blah, now to my question! I have purchased three horse butt strips about 5 feet long and I intend on making a few of my own horsehide leather strops. These would simply be leather strips approx 2.5" wide by 24" long with hanging hardware. Some of the best and most effective strops I own have been given an extremely uniform light nap, a silky velvet finish. I wouldn't call it suede since we're talking about a very very light nap (hence the velvet reference). Pumice stone would be too rough and would not yield a uniform finish. Since the strop polishes a very delicate razor edge, I need a very flat very uniform finish like I describe. How is such a surface created on leather? I appreciate any suggestions you may give. Thank you. Chris L