Stopping is especially good for hollow ground tools, or any tool not having a micro bevel. “Stropping is sharpening“ but does not remove metal aggressively. Using a strop instead of a stone eliminates bevel angle change and when done properly removes or aligns the burr on the edge to make it extremely sharp.
Choosing a Compound
Compound for strops is a formula of super fine abrasive powder sometimes mixed with various waxes or used in powder form. Sometimes called ‘rouge’ it can be confused with jewelers’ rouge, (which is generally made of very mild abrasives good for only gold and silver, not for hard steel).
While we recommend the Bevel Sharp compound, there are many brands of compound to choose from that can work well- just check that the leather is turning black as you strop. Discoloration indicates that the compound is strong enough to be removing metal – (remember that stropping is sharpening, simply polishing the final stage) – but it must also leave the tool shiny (not dull) as this proves that the abrasive is a super fine ‘grit’.
Preparing and Using The Strop
While it is not necessary for using the Bevel Sharp strop, you may choose to prep your strop with a compound before sharpening tools.
- Take the sharpening compound and rub it diligently in the leather. At least 50 strokes around the entire surface, pushing down fairly hard, to work the compound into the leather.
- Commence with stropping a few tools, watching for “dry” spots that will inevitably appear.
- Rub in more compound, strop tools, repeat until it has an even appearance. Long term re-apply just a couple of strokes of compound after every 2 or 3 uses.
How To Strop
When stropping or honing start the stroke with the pressure at the bottom of the blade and slightly raise the handle as the stroke reaches the tip. Use a fair bit of pressure, and do not flip the tool up and away at the end of the stroke.
This short video shows how to properly sharpen a broadhead using a strop