Where can I get a strop?

C

copper

Joined
Mar 1, 2000
Messages
79
I'm ready to move up to really sharp blades and I think I'll give stropping a try. However, I can't seem to find them. I know they must be right under my nose because everyone who sharpens alot seems to have one. Anyone have advise on what I should get and where I can find it, preferably on the net?

Thanks
 
Try Knifecenter, razors&so
Happy sharpening
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D.T. UTZINGER
 
Copper, all you really need is a piece of relatively thick split leather about 3 inch wide and 6 to 10 inches long. Much smaller pieces will work as well. I got several good pieces of scrap leather for free at a shoe repair shop.

Coat the smooth side of the leather with green (chromium oxide) metal polish. If you like, you can glue the leather down on a board and make a handle for it. It also works fine just laid down on my workbench, or even here at my desk.

A simple stop and polishing compounds can be found at www.woodcraft.com and www.craftwoods.com

www.knifecenter.com has some very nice (but expensive) barber's strops. I do not think these are necessary for the needs of most knife users.

Paracelsus, compulsive stropper

[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 07-13-2000).]
 
For quick and dirty, just take any old leather belt, step on one end, pull taught with your off-hand, and strop on the unfinished side of the leather. Next step is to get some green buffing compound at the hardware store to apply to the belt. If you don't have a spare belt, buy one cheap at Goodwill, Salvation Army, or similar thrift store.

Even without buffing compound you will probably notice edge improvement. Plain leather will leave the edge a little rougher which can be better for cutting.
 
I know it is technically not a strop, but the late Mel Sorg,Jr (Madpoet custom knives) carried a piece of leather and a piece of 1000grit emory paper folded in his wallet. ~3x8". Emory paper on top of leather and back dress the edge, then leather only. His knives were D2 and extremely(!) sharp. (I've got 4 of 'em)
This combo is included in my belt kit when I am hunting and I find it works well.
 
Knives-Plus carries one they make. It is 8 inches long and comes w green Cr2O3 rouge. $12.97
1-800-687-6202

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AKTI member A000873
 
Before you buy a strop please check out the strops from Lee valley (www.leevalley.com). They have a two sided strop stick for under $20.00. I like it very much. I looked at the others mentioned above but settled on the Lee valley. It is worth your time to check it out.

Doug
 
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