stropping ? for those who use razor edge guides

[pahl]

Hi,
I use a razor edge guide for sharpening.
I'm wondering should I strop with the guide on or take the guide off befor stropping.

Thanks,
pahl

 

[Cliff Stamp]

If you are using the razor edge guides I would suggest finishing with a fine stone if you want an optimally polished edge. Japanese waterstones can get almost as fine as a strop loaded with CrO. Stropping is generally done freehand and takes far less skill than honing on a benchstone. Strops are far more relaxed about angle requirements. The only thing to be concerned about with using the guides on a flat strop is that they might deform the surface of the strop because of high pressure points. Just take a light pass and stop if you see even a hint of damage. I'd also suggest you experiment with not using them. You might get the results you want with little difficulty.

-Cliff

 

[pahl]

Sounds like good advice, thanks Cliff.
I was just looking at Japanese waterstones last night as I was searching for strops on the internet.
Going to do some research on the waterstones. Sounds like that maybe the way I will want to go.

Thanks again,
pahl