[shuredgefan]

I one-bid for an old vintage strop on an obscure gambling website called ebay.com. The pic was bad and the description general but WTH.

It arrived in interesting condition; the middle, stropping area is in wonderful condition, smooth and consistent, but the top 3 inches and bottom 4 inches where you grip it are kind of granulary and unsightly.

I think it will be a functional addition for everyday use. I think that the previous owner must have only put dressing on the middle and left the rest to deteriorate.

BTW, I think it's a true russian, it's got a cool emblem with CCCP in the middle surrounded by a bunch of Cyrillic writing.

[nun2sharp]

Its probably a CERTIFYD, Ive got one and its a favorite. Get some saddle soap and clean that baby up,give it a couple of days to air dry(no sun, no heat) and then a rub down with some neats foot oil and see if that doesnt do something for her. Good Luck!!

[shuredgefan]

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Its probably a CERTIFYD, Ive got one and its a favorite. Get some saddle soap and clean that baby up,give it a couple of days to air dry(no sun, no heat) and then a rub down with some neats foot oil and see if that doesnt do something for her. Good Luck!!

Yup, it's a Certifyd, No. 169 with fancy hardware.

I worked Saddle Soap into it and scrubbed it down and then slathered it in Mink Oil. I'll let it set for a week or so and see how it's doing.

It's not as supple as I'd want it now and the bottom 2 inches are a bit shrunken and stiff. I might have to cut it down.