Proper strop usage

[TipBledsoe]

I recently got myself setup with a strop to get that last 10-20% of sharpness but I've never used a strop before. Can anyone offer tips on productive strop usage?

Reference to @Grumps21 related thread:

Spyderco sharpening experiences?

Has anyone here ever taken advantage of Spyderco’s free knife sharpening program? Send them the knife + $5 return postage and they will sharpen it at no charge. I typically have my knife sharpened at gun shows, but the last couple of post Covid gun shows I’ve gone to were not worth the drive...

texasguntalk.com

 

[Glenn B]

What's a strope? Do you mean a strop? My great-grandfather had a strop made from Clydesdale hide. He used it like an expert to sharpen his straight edged razors. I inherited it, kept it in my basement and it got moldy and ruined. One of the few things that ever got moldy in my usually very dry basement. I miss having it for sentimental reasons.

 

[TipBledsoe]

What's a strope? Do you mean a strop? My great-grandfather had a strop made from Clydesdale hide. He used it like an expert to sharpen his straight edged razors. I inherited it, kept it in my basement and it got moldy and ruined. One of the few things that ever got moldy in my usually very dry basement. I miss having it for sentimental reasons.

Sorry. Yes, strop. (FIFY... Or FIFM lol)

 

[jrbfishn]

Strope is not hard to use. You don't need much pressure, maintain the correct angle or very slightly less angle. Leather gives more than a steel or stone. Don't store it in a damp place.
I use one on my knives after each use. Keeps me from needing a stone or steel nearly as often.
I have seen them listed with both spellings. Never have been able to figure out which is correct. I pronounce it "strop" though.

Sent by an idjit coffeeholic from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[baboon]

Being able to hold a consistent angle & the correct angle is the most important thing to sharpening and maintaining an edge.

 

[candcallen]

Mmmmmmm stroopwaffles

 

[TipBledsoe]

Strope is not hard to use. You don't need much pressure, maintain the correct angle or very slightly less angle. Leather gives more than a steel or stone. Don't store it in a damp place.
I use one on my knives after each use. Keeps me from needing a stone or steel nearly as often.
I have seen them listed with both spellings. Never have been able to figure out which is correct. I pronounce it "strop" though.

Sent by an idjit coffeeholic from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Do you use a little polishing compound or leather conditioner, or do your stroping on dry leather?

 

[oldag]

Apply firmly to backside of misbehaving child.

 

[Axxe55]

Do you use a little polishing compound or leather conditioner, or do your stroping on dry leather?

I have read it used either way. Might just be personal preference?

 

[glenbo]

Barbers use them dry.

 

[bbbass]

There is no edge on earth that I can't dull up by trying to make it sharper!!!

ETA: I have a straight razor that was given to me... I don't dare try to touch up the edge. I don't use it for anything, I just have it. Maybe I'll go on a rampage someday.

 

[BigRed]

What's a strope? Do you mean a strop? My great-grandfather had a strop made from Clydesdale hide. He used it like an expert to sharpen his straight edged razors. I inherited it, kept it in my basement and it got moldy and ruined. One of the few things that ever got moldy in my usually very dry basement. I miss having it for sentimental reasons.

You win "best profile pic".

 

[Glenn B]

You win "best profile pic".

And it is supposed to be a moving gif file but I cannot get it to work on this site. Seeing her run and shoot is impressive for the obvious reason. If you click on the image, a new screen comes up with it, if I do that three times in total, at least I get to see the moving image.Try it, you will like it if it works.

 

[HKSig]

Check bladeforums.com; you'll learn way more than you (might) want to. I bought a Mouse Trap Steel from Razor Edge Systems. Even though I bought a nice sharpening system, and have a number of diamond stones and other sharpeners, only the Mouse Trap Steel gets used.

 

[TipBledsoe]

And it is supposed to be a moving gif file but I cannot get it to work on this site. Seeing her run and shoot is impressive for the obvious reason. If you click on the image, a new screen comes up with it, if I do that three times in total, at least I get to see the moving image.Try it, you will like it if it works.

Ooooooh my goodness gracious.
She has very impressive... "attributes!"

 

[Glenn B]

Ooooooh my goodness gracious.
She has very impressive... "attributes!"

I guess you got it to move.

 

[msharley]

I guess you got it to move.

Hey Glenn,

Blame haidlites! Needin' adjustin'...............Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Later, Mark

 

[Glenn B]

My apologies, did not mean to hijack the thread.

 

[msharley]

My apologies, did not mean to hijack the thread.

Hey Glenn,

Thread?

Shoot fire! That girl? She shut the whole world down!!

Wowser!!

She could make milkshakes two at a TIME!!

Later, Mark

 

[TipBledsoe]

Good information here, although much the same as what y all have already said.