Stropping is a sharpening process using micro fine abrasives to restore the cutting edge of a variety of implements such as straight razors, carving tools, chisels and plane irons. The advantage of stropping is the ability to quickly restore the edge of a blade to very sharp condition - in seconds. It is common to strop an edge 6-7 times before it is necessary to revisit the sharpening stones.
- Stropping is done by dragging the blade across a surface charged with a stropping media - first on the bevel, then the back if the blade. Unlike hand sharpening, this process is easily mastered in a matter of minutes.
Two items are needed in order to get started stropping your tools and saving time in the process.
- 1. Media (leather or felt) to hold the stropping compound. We offer vegetable-tanned leather and extra-hard wool felt. Both provide a long-lasting resilient base with just the right amount of deflection.
- 2. Micro fine stropping compound to cut away the steel leaving a sharp edge. Our selection of compounds below include the most popular formulations, all of which work well on high quality steels.
Stropping Media: Our media is available in two sizes:
- The 3 x 8-1/4 in. size is perfect for plane irons, chisels and other wide cutting tools
- The 2 x 6 in. size is well suited for wood carving tools and pocket knives.
Stropping Compounds: Tubes peel away to reveal fresh compound - Bars are best stored in a plastic bag
- Veridian: A high concentration of Green Chromium Oxide cuts hard steels quickly creating a very fine edge
- Titanium Gold: Yellow in color, this is a favorite of woodcarvers using moderately hard tools. We find it particularly useful as a first coat on new strops because it adheres very well providing a good base for other compounds
- Herb's Yellowstone: Favored at Gary Rogowski's Northwest Woodworking Studio, this is a top pick for chisels and plane blades
- White Gold: Recommended by noted author and woodcarving instructor Everett Ellenwood, this is an excellent choice for all carving tools.
- Veritas Honing Compound: Primarily aluminum oxide admixed with other fine abrasives by the Canadian toolmaker Veritas.
The Stropping Board (above) was made to allow customers to try our stropping materials. A cleat (narrow strip of wood) attached to the bottom of the board catches on the far side of a workbench to hold it in place. This is device is easily fabricated and need only be large enough to hold a single strop. |
)
