after DMT C/F: XF/XXF, strop strap, strop paddle?

W

WI09

Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
6
I'm new to 'good' sharpening and have had a DMT Magna-Guide with C/F for a couple weeks. I'm happy with the results, but not 'satisfied'. I suspect the issues are proper burr production/control and finishing. I recently acquired an old barber strop (the strap kind), but the leather scratches and leaves a brown residue on the blade with use.
I'm sharpening kitchen knives (Henckel 5 stars) and a BM Mini-grip. Would I be better off with a different (new) barber strop, building a paddle strop (I have access to deer hide, if that would work) or purchasing a DMT XF/XXF diafold?
Thanks!
 
You would be better off with leather glued to a board, a barber strop can work but can be hard to learn on if you have never stropped before. I would get the XXF hone as IMO stropping after the XF produces too much of a gap in the sharpening grits. Stropping after the XXF hone would yield a higher level of sharpness and work much faster, you will still need to use compound on your strop.
 
nozh2002 said:
Do not glue leather to the base, rather stretch it over.

Thanks, Vassili.
Click to expand...

If you use the right glue there will not be any issues. Contact cement or rubber cement works best.
 
What are the benefits of glue vs. stretch or vice versa?

I don't do either, but to me, stretching sounds better. With glue, there might end up being hard spots, no?
 
THG said:
What are the benefits of glue vs. stretch or vice versa?

I don't do either, but to me, stretching sounds better. With glue, there might end up being hard spots, no?
Click to expand...


Most of the time I use rubber cement and have never had any problems. I use it like contact cement, apply to both sides let dry and press together. I guess if you used too much glue you could deform the leather but if you take you time it works good. I also strech the leather as I am pressing it to the strop base, it keeps it smooth.
 
I did glue before, but it fixes leather on wood, when it stretched it gives softer response. If you push too much it will absorb pressure by moving side to side and stretching. And on this level of sharpness it is most important to treat edge gently. Also it is much easy to do. Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WY8rhecws8

I am not sure what knifenut1013 mean when he sad "most of the time". I did this once over year and half ago and still use it from that time. If I need to change it - I will just unscrew it and stretch another one, but so far I do not need it.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
WI09 said:
I recently acquired an old barber strop (the strap kind), but the leather scratches and leaves a brown residue on the blade with use.
Click to expand...
you need to remove the rough burr before stropping, that's what is tearing up the leather.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top