Stropping curve or belly

[Nntrance]

I always have a bit of trouble getting the belly of a blade and tip as sharp as the rest of it. Is there any techniques to focus on hitting this spot more effectively?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Make sure those spots are fully apexed from the stones, before stropping. Use a good magnifier and very bright light to inspect the edge. The tip especially is probably the most-often undersharpened portion of the blade edge. It may also be that the edge angle is too thick in those areas, which might lend to the problem. Stropping gets much, much easier when the edge is truly ready for it (fully apexed, with good cutting geometry). Almost universally, if stropping isn't changing the edge noticeably, it's likely the edge needs a little more work on the stones.

 

[Nntrance]

Make sure those spots are fully apexed from the stones, before stropping. Use a good magnifier and very bright light to inspect the edge. The tip especially is probably the most-often undersharpened portion of the blade edge. It may also be that the edge angle is too thick in those areas, which might lend to the problem. Stropping gets much, much easier when the edge is truly ready for it (fully apexed, with good cutting geometry). Almost universally, if stropping isn't changing the edge noticeably, it's likely the edge needs a little more work on the stones.

That may be but I think my technique just might not be hitting the belly as well as it could be.I think the problem might be more me then the actual edge.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

That may be but I think my technique just might not be hitting the belly as well as it could be.I think the problem might be more me then the actual edge.

A quick way to find out if you are (or aren't) hitting the belly, is to mark the edge with a Sharpie or other dark ink. Make a few passes on the strop, then use a magnifier to closely inspect the edge at the belly. Look to see where the ink came off. I suggest the magnifier, because it's real easy to overlook an often hair-thin portion that gets missed near the edge. Make sure your lighting is bright, when you look.

If the ink is coming off at the very edge, and it's still not getting appreciably sharper, that pretty much confirms that more work is likely needed on the stones.

 

[HeavyHanded]

I always have a bit of trouble getting the belly of a blade and tip as sharp as the rest of it. Is there any techniques to focus on hitting this spot more effectively?

Are you freehanding? The belly and tip are common areas to unintentionally increase the edge angle freehanding, when grinding or stropping, so the Sharpie advice is very important. Also, use some sort of edge guide, even if its as simple as a piece of paper folded over several times for a visual reference point, or some lines drawn on the side of your stone holder. Also, use a Sharpie when stropping too, just a few very small marks along the bevel are all that's needed. It should take several passes to remove the marks. After a while you'll get a good feel for when you're at just the right angle/pressure and the Sharpie will be optional (tho still a very good idea when practical).

 

[Nntrance]

I took the blade to my lansky rod guided system for a bit then back to the strop and now it's hair popping sharp along the whole edge :thumbup: thanks guys