Applying compound to strop

H

hd2k_va

Joined
Dec 27, 2001
Messages
108
What's the proper method for applying compound to a strop?

I've heard dry, mixing it with spit, and mixing it with vegetable oil. I've also heard people say you should never put any kind of compound on a smooth strop.
 
I use a dry white rosin on the smooth side of a strop. I strop lightly on all of the polished edges of EDC's, and it seems to give them that last little bit of smoothness when cutting newspaper. I do not strop a kitchen knife that is left a little toothy to cube semi-frozen meat. Every few months I have to clean the strop with saddle soap to remove the black discoloration. I believe this to be a fine build up of metal.
 
Check out the Veritas honing compound at www.leevalley.com (go to "woodworking", then "sharpening"). A lot of people think highly of it. If you ask Lee Valley, I'll bet that they have instructions on applying it. I just spread some on the smooth side of my strop.
 
Dances nailed it. Vertas honing compound comes in a stick, kind of like a big square green crayon. Just rub it on. I use a hair dryer to soften it before I work it into my Lee Valley Tools strop. Lasts a long time. (Note: be sure to wipe any compound that inadvertently got onto the hair dryer to avoid comment from your intimate other.)
 
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