Stroping

[artdeg]

I just received a a leather strop and compound from BRKT. I want to learn the correct way to strop my knives. Are there any sites to walk me thru the correct stroping process?
Thanks all

 

[mrkabar0809]

I found a Nice how to video on youtube.com. Just go there and type in How to sharpen a knife or how to strop a knife. Hope this helps......

 

[StretchNM]

Artdeg,
This is what I do:
Start with a sharp, crisp edge. Starting anywhere short of that will result in futility.

Strop lightly away from you with the blade at the same angle as you sharpened it. Use the lightest touch and take about five strokes. STOP at the end of each stroke and lift the blade from the strop. Flip the knife over to the left face and strop lightly toward you, STOPPING at the end of each stroke and lifting the blade from the strop. Then go a couple of passes again on each facing of the blade.

As you get better and begin seeing results, your technique will improve and evolve into what works for you.
Good luck

 

[matt321]

Same as Stretch. The two magic elements; light strokes and match the angle. I suppose there may be other ways, but this is the only way that ever worked for me.

You can find the correct angle by moving the blade in the edge forward direction very carefully as you slowly raise the spine. When the edge first starts to bite, that is the correct angle for stropping. You can repeat this guide step over and over to set up each series of strokes. Also, if you are realy good you can feel when you are stropping at the right angle. The blade feels like it's floating across the strop without any raspy feedback. Using this precise angle seems to be very important. Also, if you use pressure the compressed leather will spring back from under the trailing edge and round it off resulting in a very smooth and dull edge.

(By the way, I'm not sure this advice is accurate for a convexed edge.)