Does my new Kershaw need anything done before using?

L

LEE IN VA.

Joined
Jul 3, 2011
Messages
48
New to the forum, and I have a Kershaw skinner for deer skinning/dressing and was wondering if it would need any attention to the edge before using, like stropping? If so whats a good "inexpensive" one?

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If it is sharp enough for you it shouldn't need anything.

I strop after sharpening on scrap leather loaded with red or white polishing compound from Sears. Scrap leather was around $2.00 from Tandy and the compound was around $5.00.

Strops can be simple hunks of leather laid on a work surface, a leather belt on a table, on up commercial versions made from specific cuts of horsehide and loaded with diamond compound.

I favor the cheaper route and it works for me.

Good Luck.
 
I though my kershaw skyline was pretty sharp when I first got it but then i noticed it wouldn't push cut newsprint very wellso i touched it up on my paper wheels (just a few passes on the slotted wheel) and it got quite a bit sharper. I'd suggest stropping it if you didn't have anything better to do with your time. couldnt hurt.
 
I have the same knife, and I had a kydex sheath made for it because I don't like leather. Other than that, it's good to go. A member here on Bladeforums was kind enough to convex the edge for me, which is an option but I wouldn't say it's absolutely necessary.
 
Good call, Kershaw makes fine blades for the money.

If it's sharp enough for your taste, then I wouldn't worry about it at all. A bit of stropping is a good way to kill time, especially in camp at night. My favourite strop is one from DLT, their "Economy Double Sided" strop. It comes with a half-bar each of the black and green Bark River compounds (enough for about three lifetimes of heavy use), and is made quite well. It's not fancy, but it works great and can be had for $25. I keep mine stashed in my backpack, where my EP is a tad heavy for that.

If you're interested, DLT is running a minor sale right now, and the economy kit can be found here.
 
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