Thread: Mineral Oil on a Strop?

Every few shaves, I apply a thin coat of mineral oil on my razor before I put it away. The next time I shave, some of the oil naturally transferrs to the strop during my pre-shave stroping. I'm assuming that this will actually help the leather, but just wanted to be sure. What do ya think?

Also, I'm thinking it won't make any difference on the linen strop either?

Thanks!

My understanding of Mineral Oil is that it is Petroleum based and as such can lead to the actual breakdown of the leather, and I would not get oil of any kind on the linen...

Maybe someone that knows even more can help

Originally Posted by Cage

Every few shaves, I apply a thin coat of mineral oil on my razor before I put it away. The next time I shave, some of the oil naturally transferrs to the strop during my pre-shave stroping. I'm assuming that this will actually help the leather, but just wanted to be sure. What do ya think?

Also, I'm thinking it won't make any difference on the linen strop either?

Thanks!

It is not something to apply to a strop but modest transfer from
a razor should not be problematic. I would wipe the
razor with a bit of bathroom tissue then strop away.
I would not let tissue dull the edge.

Furniture leather web sites mention that it can spot
and blotch leather so there is an aesthetic consideration.
Baseball glove oil often is a blend of stuff including mineral
oil! Stitching adds a consideration for the type of thread
and what keeps the stitching sound.

Can I Use Mineral Oil On A Baseball Glove? | LIVESTRONG.COM

So wipe the blade gently and strop away.
IMO the little bit that would be left on the
blade or even hands will not hurt...

BTW: my concern is that the draw would change
in unexpected ways with mass quantities
more than damage to the leather. Too much
oil or any type can cause leather to stretch and
cup ....

That makes sense. Thanks for the detailed and quick response. Another thing I just thought of... Oil repels water, so the strop may not be so efficient at removing water from a blade if it were oil saturated.

Mineral oil is great for some things. I use it on the base holding my Japanese Natural Hone but its wood and it really rejuvenated it. However, for leather I wouldn't use it. You want a lighter penetrating oil. Mineral oil is too thick. Just my opinion of course.