Ceramic rod and strop

H

hfdcowboy

Joined
Jan 26, 2014
Messages
160
So I have a wicked edge and I am learning all that is sharpening. Then along comes a Busse hog Muk with a convex edge. So back to square one.

I want to try a stand alone strop, and ceramic rod before the sandpaper method.

What I need is advice on a strop, and I am open to whatever works for you guys. Maybe a hanging strop or wood mounted, But I am looking for a quality one. I also need the same for a ceramic rod. Recommendations??????

Thanks BF
 
I like the Bark River Sharpening Kit.

A paddle with a leather strop on each face, plus two grits of stropping compound.
 
A hanging strop is the best way (easiest?) to maintain a convex edge.
If you're going to use compounds, buy a cheap cowhide hanging strop.
If you're NOT going to use compounds, buy an expensive horsehide strop.


Stitchawl
 
I use the knives ship free strop and bark river compounds. The black and white compounds should do well, the black can bring back a dulled edge and the white does a nice job of refining the edge. I recently started using the cbn emulsions and they seem to do well but I wouldn't recommend them to someone just starting out.
 
What would be an expensive strop? Where would someone find one? Or who makes one I am interested in the no compound idea
 
hfdcowboy said:
What would be an expensive strop? Where would someone find one? Or who makes one I am interested in the no compound idea
Click to expand...

Better shaving supply companies (rather than knife suppliers) usually (but not always) carry the best horsehide strops. Look for old established shaving supply companies rather than shops that have opened in the wake of the resurgence of knife nuts. THIS horsehide strop is one example. HERE is a good example of a well made cowhide strop. Both companies have been around almost since shaving began... and produce 'real' strops rather than just pieces of leather with a handle and calling them strops.

Of all the ones I've seen, THIS one is my personal favorite. It's made with Shell Cordovan horsehide from the Horween Tannery. You just can't buy better leather than this! I was given a shell section of Horween horsehide a few years ago, and turned it into several great bench strops, most of which I gave away to friends. This one is expensive but will last several generations if treated properly.


Stitchawl
 
stitchawl said:
Better shaving supply companies (rather than knife suppliers) usually (but not always) carry the best horsehide strops. Look for old established shaving supply companies rather than shops that have opened in the wake of the resurgence of knife nuts. THIS horsehide strop is one example. HERE is a good example of a well made cowhide strop. Both companies have been around almost since shaving began... and produce 'real' strops rather than just pieces of leather with a handle and calling them strops.

Of all the ones I've seen, THIS one is my personal favorite. It's made with Shell Cordovan horsehide from the Horween Tannery. You just can't buy better leather than this! I was given a shell section of Horween horsehide a few years ago, and turned it into several great bench strops, most of which I gave away to friends. This one is expensive but will last several generations if treated properly.


Stitchawl
Click to expand...

Very nice, so I see this has two sides to it. I don't use any compound paste with this strop?
 
hfdcowboy said:
Very nice, so I see this has two sides to it. I don't use any compound paste with this strop?
Click to expand...

Nope. All of these are made to be used as the 'FINAL' step in the sharpening process, and used WITHOUT any compounds.
The leather itself should get a few dabs of some sort of leather conditioner/dressing twice or at most three times a year. 2-3 pea-sized dots of shoe cream (NOT wax shoe polish... shoe 'cream!') or other 'natural' (i.e. NOT Vaseline ) leather conditioner rubbed into the smooth face of the leather with the ball of your thumb or the heel of your hand should keep the strop in perfect condition for your grandchildren to use to sharpen their straight razors or light sabres... If they do the same, they can pass it on to theirs... assuming there is still life on this planet at that time. However, leather travels well, so should be able to make any interplanetary jumps without a problem.


Stitchawl
 
stitchawl said:
Nope. All of these are made to be used as the 'FINAL' step in the sharpening process, and used WITHOUT any compounds.
The leather itself should get a few dabs of some sort of leather conditioner/dressing twice or at most three times a year. 2-3 pea-sized dots of shoe cream (NOT wax shoe polish... shoe 'cream!') or other 'natural' (i.e. NOT Vaseline ) leather conditioner rubbed into the smooth face of the leather with the ball of your thumb or the heel of your hand should keep the strop in perfect condition for your grandchildren to use to sharpen their straight razors or light sabres... If they do the same, they can pass it on to theirs... assuming there is still life on this planet at that time. However, leather travels well, so should be able to make any interplanetary jumps without a problem.


Stitchawl
Click to expand...


Thanks for the recommendation I just ordered the bison made horsehide strop. I cant wait to give it a dance.

Now to decide on a ceramic rod I still need one if nothing else for the kitchen.
 
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