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Re: Stropping question.. [Re: chickenplucker] #290856 05/20/09 06:06 PM
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Horn Dog Offline
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Momaw is right, though. It is better to get the compound more evenly distributed on the leather. The thing is, it still makes my knives shaving sharp even when I don't. You wouldn't believe how many blades that strop has finished. But ginger ale in a keyboard? Hmmm. Hope it isn't as sticky as beer.
[Linked Image from i173.photobucket.com]

Last edited by Horn Dog; 05/20/09 06:09 PM.

Horned, dangerous, and off my medication.
Re: Stropping question.. [Re: Horn Dog] #290857 05/20/09 06:09 PM
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MRpink Offline
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I bet you straighten all the pictures in your house, too, Momaw! I don't use the strop except for finishing and touchups. It does just fine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

hahah, I'm with HD. It doesn't have to be perfect, the more even the coating the better, but the knife should already sharp before it hits the strop. With my belt sander/leather belt, I pretty much stopped using the strop.


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Re: Stropping question.. [Re: Horn Dog] #290858 05/20/09 11:30 PM
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tyger75 Offline
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I've used a strop for some time now; for both knives and razors.

I don't know about melting the honing compound into the leather, and rubbing the leather with your hand to soak you skin oils into it, but here's what I've done and never had a problem with.

Step #1: Do as Vic has said. Plain and simple.

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All I do is rub a little on and strop. It works fine for me that way. When the leather gets a dark glazed look from steel, I just take a scotchbrite bad and rough it up a bit, and strop some more. My knives stay nice and sharp that way.
[Linked Image from i173.photobucket.com]

Step #2: Depending on how often I'm using the strop, I'll rub it clean of the compound with a scotchbrite pad, and then use a very small amount of what I now know was Neatsfoot oil (Thanks Jeff! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />), and hand rub it into the leather of the strop to keep it nice and soft and pliable. I've got one strop for my straight razor that was used by my Grandfather, and now by me. Never use too much Neatsfoot oil, BTW, as that has the opposite effect, and tends to harden the leather. Lesser is better.

That's what I got, take it or leave it.


JYD#70 Warning! There are more than just dogs in this yard!
Re: Stropping question.. [Re: chickenplucker] #290859 05/20/09 11:36 PM
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Dumpster Dan Offline
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I was always told to rip the leather briskly in a circular fashion with your palm. Working it over opens up the pores in it, the friction heats it up a little, and the oils from your skin nourish it. As for any special pattern of application, I suggest a cross hatch pattern (doesn't have to be pretty) or just scribble back and forth the short way, to make sure that all of the strop is working for you. I look at Horndog's example, and I see the middle of the surface is doing a lot more work than the edges. Sorry to pick on you, Horndog!

I bet you straighten all the pictures in your house, too, Momaw! I don't use the strop except for finishing and touchups. It does just fine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Anyone know how to get Ginger Ale out of a keyboard?

LOL...you guys kill me.

Remember, just because its leather does not mean you can't over "grind" the edge. A couple of strokes on each side does just fine for finish edge work.

Dan

Re: Stropping question.. [Re: Dumpster Dan] #290860 05/21/09 02:38 AM
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Andy Wayne Offline
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You can also dab a little mineral oil on a cotton ball and dab on the leather and it helps it absorb. I’ve read it’s good to use a cheap knife to level out the height of the compound on the strop, so it evenly sharpens the edge. When stropping, don’t push too hard or you’ll round the edge & dull it. Usually the weight of the knife blade alone is enough to do it.


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