Anybody strop on a Wicked Edge?

C

cutchu

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Sep 23, 2014
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I have a WE with stones up to 800 / 1000. It works really well but have been wanting to try out a strop. I have never used a strop before, and am wondering if it would be better to try out freehand strops or the strops that are available for the WE system?

On the WE, is it as simple as just sliding the strop stones on at the same angle as the diamond stones? Or is some angle adjusting needed after the diamond stones?
 
If you're using the leather strop paddles I'd recommend going a few degrees under your edge. I.E. If your tip angle is 20 degrees set the leather strops to 17-18. I've found that leather can sometimes round off the tip of used with some pressure and a lot of stropping.

Another alternative is to use balsa. I have used balsa and normal polishing paste for awhile now and I feel that I can strop easier than leather. Leather polishes better but balsa strops better due to the fact that you can use whatever angle you're angle is set at as your stropping angle. No need to go steeper. Since the balsa isn't as pliable is doesn't seem to wrap around the and round off the edge at all.

That said balsa isn't as durable but it is extremely easy and cheap to switch it out with new wood. I bought some blank paddles, measured some balsa strips from a hobby store and used quality double sided poster tape to mount them with. Easily and quickly changeable if they get worn.

Hope this helps!
 
I use balsa. 5-3.5 micron. I set my angle in 1 degree. so if I sharpen at 20*, I will strop at 19*
 
The Wicked Edge strop is excellent. Just use very, very light pressure. The angle is already set for you. Too much pressure can defeat the perfect angle by rounding the edge, but very light pressure will refine the edge properly.
 
I'll throw in another vote for the Wicked Edge strops. Be very careful when you strop the blade that you only go in an upward motion. It's very easy to nick the strop if you go in a downwards motion at all.
 
Great, thanks for the responses. I think I am going to try the balsa as suggested.

However, I do think that one day I still might have to get freehand leather strops to do my BRKT because of the convex edge. I am sure it will be a while before I need to sharpen that.
 
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