How To Make A Strop For Knife Sharpening SUPER EASY

Summary

This video tutorial guides viewers through the process of creating a DIY strop for sharpening blades. Addressing common questions about cost-effectiveness and the quality of homemade versus store-bought strops, the host shares insights on materials, including the best types of leather and compounds. The step-by-step guide covers everything from choosing the right leather and compound to constructing and applying the strop, concluding with a comparison test between the DIY strop and a store-bought alternative, revealing no discernible difference in performance.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ The video is a tutorial on building a DIY strop in response to questions from a previous video.
• 💰 The cost of materials for a DIY strop is comparable to buying a store-bought strop, but DIY allows for more straps to be made from the same amount of leather.
• 📏 The required materials for the DIY strop are simple and likely already available to most viewers, such as glue and a flat surface.
• 🐂 Any type of leather can be used for the strop, as the choice of compound is more crucial than the type of leather.
• 🔨 The presenter prefers green chromium oxide as a compound due to its balance of cutting and polishing capabilities.
• 🔩 The build process involves attaching leather to a piece of plywood and can be done without fancy tools.
• 📝 Contact cement is used to glue the leather to the wood, with specific instructions to let it dry before application.
• 🔪 The DIY strop is tested against a store-bought strop, and the presenter finds no significant difference in performance.
• 🛡️ DIY stropping allows for customization, such as applying different compounds to different sides of the strop for various sharpening stages.
• 📈 The presenter emphasizes that sharpening technique is more important than the specific strop or compound used.
• 🌟 The video concludes by encouraging viewers to try DIY projects, starting with something as simple and useful as a strop.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate how to build a DIY strop and to answer common questions about stropping and the materials used.

What are the two main materials needed for a DIY strop according to the video?

The two main materials needed for a DIY strop are leather and a sharpening compound.

How much did the leather and compound cost in the video?

The leather cost twelve dollars and seventy-five cents, and the compound cost thirteen dollars and ninety-five cents, totaling twenty-six dollars and seventy cents.

What is the approximate cost of a DIY strop compared to a store-bought one?

The cost of making a DIY strop is about the same as buying an Ives Plush Drop Block, which is around twenty-six dollars and seventy cents.

What types of leather have been used for stropping in the past according to the video?

The video mentions using various types of leather such as old tool belt leather, boot leather, welding gloves leather, and old belt leather for stropping.

What is the preferred sharpening compound used in the video?

The preferred sharpening compound used in the video is green chromium oxide, which is considered a good mix of cutting and polishing.

What is the importance of the technique in stropping according to the video?

According to the video, technique plays a significant role in stropping, more so than the exact compound or leather being used.

What is the process of attaching the leather to the wood in the DIY strop?

The process involves cutting the leather and wood to size, drilling a hole for hanging, and then using contact cement to glue the leather onto the wood.

What is the purpose of running the finished strop through a table saw?

Running the finished strop through a table saw is done to clean up the edges that are sticking over the leather, purely for aesthetic purposes.

How does the video suggest applying the sharpening compound to the strop?

The video suggests using the 'old crayon method' to apply the compound, or using a heat gun or hair dryer to melt the compound, or using a drop of oil, cutting board oil, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or leather conditioner as a thinning agent.

What is the conclusion of the video regarding the effectiveness of a DIY strop compared to a store-bought one?

The conclusion of the video is that there is no noticeable difference in effectiveness between a DIY strop and a store-bought one like the Knives Plus drop block.

What are the advantages of making your own strop according to the video?

The advantages of making your own strop include the ability to customize it with different compounds on each side, a longer stropping surface, and the satisfaction of creating a useful tool yourself.

Outlines

00:00

🛠 DIY Strop Introduction and Cost Analysis

The video begins with the host addressing the viewers and introducing the project of building a DIY strop. It serves as a response to previous inquiries about stropping and aims to answer common questions regarding the cost-effectiveness of homemade versus store-bought strops, the types of leather and compounds suitable for stropping, and the importance of technique over tools. The host details the materials and costs involved, mentioning the price of leather and compound used, and suggests that the DIY approach can be as cost-effective as purchasing a ready-made strop, especially considering the amount of leather provided is enough for multiple strops. The importance of choosing the right compound over the type of leather is emphasized, with a preference for green chromium oxide due to its balance between cutting and polishing capabilities.

05:01

🔨 DIY Strop Construction and Technique Comparison

This paragraph delves into the construction process of the DIY strop, which involves using a piece of plywood, leather, and contact cement for gluing. The host explains the simplicity of the build, stating that no fancy tools are required, and even suggests that the strop can be used without gluing the leather to the wood. The video demonstrates the use of contact cement, highlighting the need to let it dry before applying the leather and ensuring proper alignment for a successful bond. After the strop is assembled, the host discusses the various methods of applying compound to the strop, such as using a crayon, a heat gun, or a thinning agent like cutting board oil. The paragraph concludes with a comparison between the DIY strop and a store-bought one, with the host unable to discern a significant difference in performance. The DIY strop is praised for its adaptability, such as applying different compounds on each side for various stropping stages, and for being a beginner-friendly DIY project that can significantly enhance sharpening techniques.

Keywords

💡DIY Strop

A DIY (Do-It-Yourself) strop refers to a homemade device used for sharpening blades, such as knives. In the video, the creator discusses the process of making a strop from scratch, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and ease of this approach. The DIY strop is a central theme of the video, as it demonstrates the steps to create one and compares its performance to store-bought alternatives.

💡Leather

Leather is a material made from the skin of animals, often used for its durability and flexibility. In the context of the video, it is the primary material for making the strop. The script mentions various types of leather, including tool belt, boot leather, and old belts, suggesting that any of these can be used for the DIY strop, as they all serve the purpose of refining the blade's edge.

💡Compound

In the video, compound refers to a substance used on the strop to aid in sharpening blades. The creator discusses different types of compounds, such as green chromium oxide, which is a mix of cutting and polishing. The choice of compound is highlighted as more important than the type of leather used, indicating its significance in the sharpening process.

💡Edge Technique

Edge technique pertains to the method and skill involved in sharpening a blade. The video script suggests that the technique used while stropping has a greater impact on the outcome than the specific compound or leather. This concept is integral to the video's message, emphasizing the importance of skill over the tools themselves.

💡Scrap Plywood

Scrap plywood mentioned in the script is a piece of leftover or discarded plywood used as the base for the DIY strop. The creator cuts it down to specific dimensions to create a simple and functional strop. This illustrates the video's theme of repurposing common materials for a practical purpose.

💡Contact Cement

Contact cement is a type of adhesive used in the video to attach the leather to the plywood. The script describes its application process, noting that it requires drying before use and that it offers a strong bond. This detail is part of the step-by-step guide on creating the DIY strop.

💡Table Saw

A table saw is a power tool used in woodworking for cutting wood and other materials. In the video, the creator uses a table saw to trim the edges of the leather for aesthetic purposes. Although not essential for the strop's function, this step demonstrates attention to detail in the DIY process.

💡Crayon Method

The crayon method is a technique for applying compound to a strop, as mentioned in the script. It involves using a crayon-like form of compound and rubbing it onto the strop. This method is one of the several ways to saturate the strop with compound, highlighting the versatility in the sharpening process.

💡Stropping Technique

Stropping technique refers to the way one uses a strop to sharpen a blade. The video emphasizes that the technique is more important than the specific materials used, such as the type of leather or compound. The DIY strop's effectiveness is demonstrated through the application of proper stropping technique.

💡Store-Bought Strop

A store-bought strop is a commercially available sharpening device that the video compares to the DIY strop. The creator evaluates whether the homemade version can perform as well as the purchased one, finding no significant difference in their effectiveness, thus advocating for the DIY approach.

💡Grain

Grain in the context of the video refers to the texture or surface of the leather strop. The script mentions applying grain to both sides of the strop, suggesting a rough side for initial sharpening and a smooth side for finishing. This detail illustrates the customization options available with a DIY strop.

Highlights

Building a DIY strop in response to viewer questions about previous video.

Addressing whether homemade stropping is cheaper than buying one.

Comparing the effectiveness of homemade versus store-bought stropping methods.

Total cost of materials for a DIY strop is similar to a commercial one.

Sufficient leather for about five stropping straps can reduce individual cost.

Any type of leather can be used for stropping, with no significant difference found.

Choice of compound is more critical than the type of leather used.

Green chromium oxide is recommended for a balance of cutting and polishing.

Technique plays a significant role in stropping effectiveness.

Simple build process using scrap plywood and leather.

No fancy tools required for the DIY strop construction.

Using contact cement for gluing leather to wood, with drying instructions provided.

Applying compound to the strop using various methods, including with oil.

DIY strop's performance compared to the Ives Plush Drop Block.

The DIY strop offers the advantage of having two sides for different compounds.

Stropping technique is more important than the strop itself for sharpening.

DIY strop is an excellent starting point for those new to making their tools.

The choice between DIY and store-bought stropping depends on user preference.

Encouraging viewers to like, subscribe, and share the video for channel support.

Transcripts

what's going on guys through today we

are gonna be building a DIY strop now

this video is kind of in response to a

lot of questions that I've gotten on a

previous video I did where I built the

strop out of an old leather belt as well

as hopefully answer a bunch of questions

that I get kind of randomly and a bunch

of other videos about straps in general

some of those questions include is it

cheaper to make a strop yourself over

buying one do purchase straps or

store-bought straps work the same as

homemade straps

what leather works best for a homemade

strop if I only buy one compound what

compound do I buy we're gonna answer all

these questions and more in the rest of

this video so stay tuned so let's talk

materials and cost I think most of you

will only have to buy two things for a

DIY strop first leather second compound

this leather cost me twelve dollars and

seventy-five cents the compound cost

thirteen dollars and ninety five cents

for a total of twenty six seventy now

that's about the same price of an Ives

plush drop block now there are some

other things that are gonna be needed

for the build but I think most of you

have these things already lying around

the house like glue and something to

glue the leather to or if you don't can

easily be scrounge from somewhere else

so cost wise you're looking at about the

same price but keep in mind this is

enough leather for about five straps so

you may be able to split the cost with

someone else in order to help make it

cheaper now over the years I've used all

kinds of leather to strap on everything

from old tool belt boot leather leather

welding gloves to old belt if you're

looking for a strap that will simply

remove burrs and simply refine the edge

any leather will do I haven't found

there's a significant difference between

types of leather they will all work your

choice of compound is more important

than its carrier I like green chromium

oxide I think it's a good mix of cutting

and polishing I've mentioned this before

but not all green compounds are the same

some seem finer than others however they

all are capable of getting hair

whittling edge technique has a lot more

to do with it than the exact compound or

the exact leather

that's being used now I realize this

doesn't apply in any in all situations

we're talking about EDC blades here not

straight razors this is a really simple

build but basically I'm using a piece of

scrap plywood that I cut down to 12

inches by one and a half inches then cut

to ten inch pieces of leather and

finally I drilled a hole so I could hang

it on the wall very simple stuff anyone

can do no fancy tools required although

if you have fancy tools no sense in

letting them go to waste

[Music]

so it's now time to glue the leather on

the piece of wood I'm gonna use contact

cement

I do have super glue you can use Elmer's

glue woodworking glue it really doesn't

matter the type of glue you use and

honestly you can glue this or you don't

even have to glue this you can literally

just apply a compound like it is set it

on a flat surface and go to town for

what I do for my personal preference is

that I like it glued to a nice flat

surface like this piece of finished

grade plywood it seems to be what works

best for me I'm just using contact

cement because it's what I had on hand

now you should definitely read the

instructions if you decide to use

contact cement

I've used this glue a lot in the past

and it's different than any other glues

and that you need to let it dry first

before you put the pieces together

typically you want to let it dry until

the contact cement stops sticking to

your finger a heat gun can be used to

speed things along just don't get it too

hot when you finally apply the pieces

together and make sure you have

everything lined up as you will only get

one shot at this so if everything glued

up and ready to go the strap is done

it's in a perfectly functioning

condition all you have to do now is

apply the compound but before I do that

I'm gonna run this through the table saw

and take care of these edges that are

kind of sticking over the leather now if

you don't have a table saw don't worry

about this step this will not interfere

with the functions drop in anyway it's

purely for looks there's several

different ways you can apply compound to

a strop I'm just using the old crayon

method to apply the compound you can use

a heat gun or hair dryer to help melt

the compound and fully saturate it into

the strop you can also use a drop of

cutting board oil mineral oil petroleum

jelly or even leather conditioner and

use it as a thinning agent for the

compound pretty much any method works

just fine I tend to gravitate towards

the oil method using a small drop of oil

on the strop and rubbing it in with your

finger to help thin out and evenly

spread the compound seems to work very

well

so now the question is whether or not a

DIY shop will work just as well as a

store-bought one and there's only one

way to find out doing things yourself

usually requires some sort of knowledge

or skill in order to get professional

results so how does a DIY strop that

takes literally no skill to make stand

up to the tried and true knives plus

drop block well honestly I can't tell

the difference I spent way too much time

sharpening strapping cutting faux book

paper and whittling hairs and again I

still can't tell the difference if

anything I think the DIY strop has a

slight edge unintended my DIY strop has

two sides that means if I want to I

could apply a totally different compound

to the other side or like I did here

apply grain to both sides and use the

rough side for starting and the smooth

side for finishing not to mention you

get a longer strapping surface which is

always a nice thing to have going back

to the beginning I feel like stropping

technique has a lot more to do with your

results than the strop itself under

these circumstances much in the same way

that technique on a stone means more

than the stone itself making a strop

yourself it's a great way to start

making stuff it can't get any easier and

will provide you with the tool that will

make a world a difference in your

sharpening as far as which strop is

better it really comes down to what you

want as a user if you want instant

gratification and a tool that you can

use right out of the box the strop block

is way to go if you're new to DIY

projects this is a great thing to start

on if you're an old pro well the answer

should be easy

I hope this video helps answer some

questions in regard to making your own

strop as always don't forget to like the

video subscribe and share it really

helps out the channel I really

appreciate it just want to thank you

guys for watching and I'll see you in

the next video