I have my new AK

A

Apa6

Joined
Oct 1, 2003
Messages
25
Just got it in the mail last night and it feels lighter than I built up my expectations for. Its the Chiruwa AK. It has the initials RR and the indian swastika (took google searching to research the history of that symbol).
After holding this I absolutely am sure I need to get a couple more. I will chop some errant trees in the yard this weekend to test its cutting power. But its already clear that the reach on this blade is too short for the weeds I cant get to with my Troy Built Trimmer. So I will probably order the 25" Kobra and the 21" Gelbu when I get my next check.
I already bought the Blue Wonder bluing kit, Reniassance Wax, an additional smooth burnisher and green compound for the strop but the wood working hardware store (very nice place I need to go back) was out of the strop I was looking for. Went to Home Depot, mall knife stores and a couple sporting goods stores in the Atlanta and Kennesaw Ga areas and could not find one.
I am amazed that its so hard to find a flat strop mounted on wood. It would be easier to make one, I can probably find the leather and make my own. What grade of leather should I look for?
 
Thank you for the links...

The Chiruwa is supposed to be 16.5 to 17" but I will need to break out the ruler to make sure. Its at home and I am at work.

I will enjoy building a collection. Having apprenticed as a chef earlier in my career before software took over, I had no problems spending a lot of money on good cutlery. My cooking knives cost ~ $800 and I still do not have a full set. But that can wait I don't cook as much as I used to.

I will go to great pains to make sure I keep that convex bevel.
I have read and printed out several sharpening guides and I will stick to strop and smooth steel. With care I may never need to use sandpaper.
 
I found the right leather at one of the sites linked above.

They make 2 kinds of leather, one for compound, one that is treated and no need. You can buy a 12"x12" 1/8 thick piece of leather for $10.00 !!! They also pre-cut for no additional cost. :)

So I ordered some and will make 3 paddle strops from this. Big money savings. Wanted to pass it along.
http://www.handamerican.com/honeleather.html
 
Another good place for strops (and 10,000 other things to separate you from your paycheck) is:

http://www.leevalley.com

What I did when I needed a strop was to go to garage sales and flea markets looking for a weightlifter's belt. Found one for $.50, put 2 grommets in the non-buckle end, screwed 2 hooks underneath my workbench to accomodate the grommets and loaded the rough side of the leather up with the green compound (also from Lee Valley). Works great. The buckle makes a great handle.
 
Doesn't apply to me ( reminder to self - remove 60 watt bulbs over bathroom mirrot and replace with 40 watt bulbs - or even 25 watt if need be ).
 
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