Need Help w/ Strop, and Stropping Compounds...

R

razorhunter

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
470
Guys,
I would like to know if anyone can tell me the best type of leather to use for making a strop?
Also, I need a GOOD stropping compound, as my current compound doesn't seem to be working well. MAYBE it's fine, and my leather strop just isn't the right type of leather.
Anyhow, I am NOT stropping knives here. Rather, I'm stropping broadhead blades for bowhunting. For anyone who doesn't know, these are basically razor blades.
Anyhow, I was using a "Yellowstone" compound, sold by some company in Tennessee, I can't remember the name. This compound, is like a very hard stick of chalk, and you have to rub it in EXTREMELY HARD, to get it into the leather. It almost damages the leather strop when you rub it this hard!
Can anyone give me a GOOD stropping compound recommendation, which will allow me to strop my broadhead razor blades to a mirror finish? I want the BEST, or something CLOSE to the best at least. I don't mind spending a little money, if that's what it takes.
I would THINK, that a stropping compound of good quality, would more EASILY rub into the leather, than the stuff I've been using. Maybe a paste, or cream wouild be best????
I could also use a good strop, if anyone knows where they are sold???
Is a good strop, made of a certain type of leather? Rather, does the leather grain need to be smooth, or raised grain or what????
Please help. Thanks in advance guys! I could really use the help.
 
I use a lot of harness leather for sheaths and also use it for strops. It's oil soaked to start with and takes compound pretty easy. Usually I wet the leather down with alcohol or kerosene then rub the compound on it. As far as the compound, just use what ya buff with. I like black(coarse) and green(fine).
Remember , all you are doing is polishing the edge.
 
The leather has to have some sort of oil added to take up the compound. Sharpening oil,or unscented kerosene works well.Hard leather ,10-12 Oz. weight ,oil tanned ,is what you want.Glue it to a board.Tormek makes a good stropping compound that comes in a tube.Just rub some on the strop and strop away. You can get it from Woodcraft and other woodworking suppliers.
 
Ok guys, I'll check Woodcraft for the Tormek stropping compound. I once had a chunk of green and white buffing compounds, from Pops Knife Supply, but I don't know if they are still in my shop or not. IF not, then I might look into that Tormek that bladsmth mentioned.
UNLESS someone else gives me a hands down, better compound to try. I'm looking for the BEST! LOL!
I'm sure any decent compound will work fine though.
ANYHOW, is Tormek a paste or powder???

Also, if anyone knows where I can get some good leather, I'm all ears.
I don't have any sharpening oil, but if this is the best oil to add to leather, to get it to take the compound, then I'll surely buy some.
I was hoping someone here, might have a website link I could go to, to order my leather strop, compound, and anything else I'll need, all in ONE single order.
Remember guys, I'm looking for some GOOD stuff! Hehe! Just kidding, seriously though, I thank you guys for your help, and I hope you guys will keep the suggestions coming.
 
Check your local leather supplier, if you have one. I can usually get very usable scraps for cheap. Hand American also sells both leather and strops in a variety of sizes, weights, textures, etc. I would definitely check their site.

John
 
Check out Bark River knife co. They have bars of the black and green for sale at a reasonable price.
 
Yep, the compound Mike Stewart sells in good stuff also.
Send me yer address and I send a strop. bruce
 
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