Birch Polypore aka Razor Strop Fungus
"The common name Razor Strop Fungus comes from the use in old barber shops of cutting a strip from the underside of the fungus, drying it and sticking it to a piece of flat wood. This was used to give the final finish to the cut throat razors that barbers used. I’m not sure if they were aware of the fact but in doing so they were giving their blades an antiseptic, antifungal and styptic wipe!
The fungus has also been used in the past as very fine emery cloth to polish metals, making ink blotters and even bases for mounting insects for collections. Truly the Swiss Army knife of mushrooms."
Source: www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/birch-polypore-fomitops...
Birch Polypore aka Razor Strop Fungus
"The common name Razor Strop Fungus comes from the use in old barber shops of cutting a strip from the underside of the fungus, drying it and sticking it to a piece of flat wood. This was used to give the final finish to the cut throat razors that barbers used. I’m not sure if they were aware of the fact but in doing so they were giving their blades an antiseptic, antifungal and styptic wipe!
The fungus has also been used in the past as very fine emery cloth to polish metals, making ink blotters and even bases for mounting insects for collections. Truly the Swiss Army knife of mushrooms."
Source: www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/birch-polypore-fomitops...