Think your knives are as sharp as they can be? Well, think again! There’s a simple technique you can use to make them even sharper – stropping. Stropping your knives is a great way to keep them razor-sharp and performing at their best. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to stop a knife like a pro. So, what are you waiting for? Start reading.
What Is Stropping?
Stropping is a sharpening technique that uses a fine abrasive to refine the edge of a blade. It’s often used to touch up an already sharp edge or to strop away burrs after honing. While stropping is traditionally done with a leather strap, you can also use other materials like denim, canvas, or even cardboard.
Why Should You Strop Your Knives?
Stropping is an important step in the sharpening process because it realigns the edge of the blade and removes any microscopic nicks or burrs. This helps to keep your knives sharper for longer and also makes them easier to sharpen in the future.
How to Strop a Knife?
Now that you know what stropping is and why it’s important, let’s take a look at how to do it. Stropping is a simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to get the best results.
- Start with a clean, dry knife. Make sure the blade is free of any debris or moisture before you start stropping.
- Choose the right strop material. As we mentioned, leather is the most traditional stropping material, but you can also use other materials like denim, canvas, or cardboard. Just make sure you choose a material that’s firm enough to provide a good surface for stropping.
- Hold the strop in your non-dominant hand and the knife in your dominant hand.
- Place the blade against the strop at a 20-degree angle.
- Use light pressure as you stroke the blade away from you.
Which knives can you strop?
You can stop any knife with a blade angle of 20 degrees or less. This includes most kitchen knives, pocket knives, and straight razors.
How often should you strop your knives?
It’s a good idea to strop your knives after every sharpening session. This will help to keep the edge in good condition and make it easier to sharpen the next time you need to.
What are the benefits of stropping?
There are several benefits of stropping your knives, including:
- It realigns the edge of the blade.
- It removes any microscopic nicks or burrs.
- It helps to keep your knives sharper for longer.
- It makes them easier to sharpen in the future.
- It’s a great way to touch up an already sharp edge.
Types Of Strops
There are two main types of strops: diamond and compound.
Diamond straps are made with a layer of diamond-coated fabric or leather. They’re very effective at sharpening knives and are often used by professional sharpeners. However, they can be quite expensive. How To Stop Your Knife
Now that you know what stropping is and why it’s important, let’s take a look at how to do it. Stropping is a simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to get the best results.
- Start with a clean, dry knife. Make sure the blade is free of any debris or moisture before you start stropping.
- Choose the right strop material. As we mentioned, leather is the most traditional stropping material, but you can also use other materials like denim, canvas, or cardboard. Just make sure you choose a material that’s firm enough to provide a good surface for stropping.
1. Start Slowly And Gently
When you first start stropping your knife, go slowly and use gentle pressure. This will help you get a feel for the process and avoid damaging the blade.
2. Use A Circular Motion
Stroke the blade in a circular motion as you move it away from you. This will help to evenly distribute the pressure and produce a better edge.
3. Apply Even Pressure
Apply an even amount of pressure to the blade as you stroke it across the strop. This will help to avoid damaging the edge.
4. Finish With A Light Touch
When you’re finished stropping, give the blade a light touch with your finger to make sure the edge is sharp. If it feels dull, stroke it a few more times until it’s sharp.
5. Store Your Knife Properly
Once you’re finished stropping, store your knife in a safe place where it won’t be damaged. A knife block or sheath is a good option.
Conclusion
Stropping is a simple, yet effective way to keep your knives sharp. It realigns the edge of the blade and removes any microscopic nicks or burrs. It’s a great way to touch up an already sharp edge and make it last longer. Give it a try the next time you sharpen your knives and see the difference for yourself.
