🧰 What You’ll Need:
A leather strop (Work Tuff leather strop)
Polishing compound or diamond emulsion
📘 What Is Stropping?
Stropping is the final step in sharpening. It realigns the edge and removes microscopic burrs, resulting in a mirror polish and scary sharpness. Unlike sharpening, it removes almost no metal.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Apply Compound (Optional)
Rub a thin layer of compound onto the leather side of your strop, like coloring with a crayon. This increases polishing power.
2. Lay the Knife Flat
Place the blade flat on the strop, then tilt it up just enough to match the knife’s edge angle (usually 15–20°). A quick tip is to use a marker pen on the edge, and you will be able to tell if you are getting the angle right.
3. Pull, Don’t Push
With the edge trailing (opposite of sharpening), draw the knife spine-first across the strop. Imagine you're wiping something sticky off the blade. Never push edge-first or you'll cut into the leather.
4. Use Light Pressure
Let the leather do the work. Pressing hard can round the edge. Use just enough pressure to keep the blade in contact.
5. Alternate Sides
Flip the knife and repeat on the other side. Do 10–20 passes per side, or until the edge feels polished and smooth.
6. Test the Edge
Carefully test the edge by shaving hair, slicing paper, or running a finger (carefully!) across the edge for smoothness.
✅ Tips for Better Results
Strop regularly: After each use or sharpening session.
Keep your strop clean: Wipe off metal residue occasionally.
Maintain a consistent angle: This helps avoid dulling the edge.
Use linen or canvas side (if available) before leather for pre-polish.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pushing edge-first into the strop
Using too much pressure
Using dirty or dry compound-laden strops for too long without cleaning
Smooth leather Strop
Material
MDF wood
Leather
Smooth
Size
2 x 6
Weight
Leather thickness
Powered by Jende Industries (Taiwan)
