3 Stropping Tips Beginners Must Know (Knife Sharpening)

Summary

This video offers three essential tips for effective knife sharpening through stropping. It advises not to over-strap, as refining the edge should require minimal passes with a quality diamond compound. It warns against edge rounding caused by excessive pressure on leather strops and emphasizes the importance of using the right stropping compound. Chromium oxide is criticized for its rapid breakdown and inconsistency, while diamond compound is praised for its durability and consistent grit size, despite its higher cost. A bonus tip is included on stropping direction to maintain scratch pattern alignment, ensuring a refined, sharp edge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Provide tips for better stropping.
• 💡 Don't strap too much; use around 10 passes per side.
• ✋ Avoid rounding the edge by using light pressure.
• 🔍 Use the correct stropping compound for effectiveness.
• 🟩 Chromium oxide compound is cheap but less effective.
• 💎 Diamond compound is more effective but expensive.
• 🧴 Different forms of diamond compound: sprays, emulsions, pastes.
• ⏳ Diamond compound lasts longer and maintains consistent grit.
• ❌ Avoid cheap diamond compounds with inconsistent grit sizes.
• 🔄 Strop in the same direction as the sharpening scratch pattern.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video?

The main issue discussed in the video is dealing with the problem of ineffective stropping due to improper techniques and materials.

What are the three tips provided for better stropping?

The three tips for better stropping are: 1) Don't strap too much, 2) Don't round over the edge, and 3) Use the correct stropping compound.

Why should you not strap too much?

Strapping too much can lead to the edge not becoming more refined after several passes, indicating that more time should be spent minimizing the burr on the stone instead.

What is the importance of not rounding over the edge during stropping?

Not rounding over the edge is important because it ensures the knife retains its sharpness and bite, which is essential for tasks like paper cutting and hair whittling.

Why is using the correct stropping compound crucial?

Using the correct stropping compound is crucial because it affects the longevity and effectiveness of the stropping process, as well as the quality of the edge being refined.

What are the two main types of stropping compounds discussed in the video?

The two main types of stropping compounds discussed are chromium oxide compound and diamond compound.

What are the downsides of using chromium oxide as a stropping compound?

The downsides of using chromium oxide include its fast breakdown, inconsistency in grit sizes, and the need to reapply frequently, which can lead to a buildup of ineffective wax goop on the strop.

What are the advantages of using diamond compound over chromium oxide?

The advantages of using diamond compound include its consistent grit sizes, longevity as it doesn't break down like chromium oxide, and the fact that a single application can last a very long time.

What is the recommended approach to applying diamond compound to a strop?

The recommended approach is to apply a small amount of diamond compound to the surface, spread it around evenly, let it dry, and then strop away.

What is the significance of stropping in the same direction as the scratch pattern from the sharpening stone?

Stropping in the same direction as the scratch pattern ensures that the scratch pattern is aligned and refined, which is especially important for coarse grit sharpening.

What is the bonus tip provided for stropping direction in relation to the sharpening stone's scratch pattern?

The bonus tip is to strop in the opposite direction of the sharpening stone's scratch pattern, from tip to heel, to maintain proper alignment and refine the scratch pattern.