Benefit to Strop after EdgePro sharpening?

[actionyak]

I've been sharpening my knives with an EdgePro up through the 3k tapes. I'm happy with the results and the knives are sharp. I can easily shave arm hair, slice paper, etc. Functionaly, I'm sure they are as sharp as they could ever need to be. But, like many of the rest of you knife nuts, I'm curious about reaching that "tree topping" sharp that I've seen described.

My question is: Would my knives become sharper by stropping after taking them through the 3k tapes on the EP? Would a strop create a finer mirror finish than a 3k tape? I have the idea that finishing with a very fine strop would take them to that next level of sharp. None of my knives are currently convex, and I wouldn't really be looking to create convex edges.

If the strop would be a benefit, what type of leather, compound, etc would be the best to finish with? Would I even need a compound? Last, I've seen one online dealer that offers a leather strop that is built to fit the EP blanks. I love the angle holding ability that the EP provides, would a strop applied with that same angle discipline be a good way to go?

Thanks in advance. Reading the other posts I can tell that this subforum is populated by probably the most generous group on all of BF!

 

[Gunny Bob]

What I've had good luck with is the 6K Edge Pro tape. Followed with 1 micron diamond paste stropping on cowhide, then a final strop on unloaded horsehide. Polished enough to gleam like the dickens as well as slice toilet tissue without a snag. Just remember that any result you want is going to be predicated upon the amount of time and finesse you apply to the project, and patience is a virtue. You simply won't learn all of this in a day, or week, or perhaps not even a month of Sunday's, and bear in mind that not all steels will return the same degree of sharpness.

Most of this is trial and error, then applying your own tricks of the trade to make that special knife a one in a million.

Once again; have patience.