The Fine Art of Stropping: Understanding the Differences between Compounded and Plain Leather Strops
A strop can be used without any compound and many sharpeners of straight razors prefer to use a smooth leather strop with no compound applied. The natural fibres in the leather are abrasive enough to polish the metal and remove any burr from the edge, leaving it crisp and sharp. This method is known as "stropping" and it's a popular method among barbers and traditional straight razor users.
On the other hand, knife and tools users often prefer to use a compound on their strops. This is because compounds, such as honing or polishing compounds, are specifically formulated to provide an extra level of abrasiveness that can quickly and easily give them an excellent edge that meets their needs. They are also available in different grit levels to fit the level of sharpness you need.
In our experience, whether or not to use a compound is a matter of personal preference. Excellent results can be achieved with either method, although using a honing compound with its abrasive particles will show results more quickly than plain leather strops. In the interest of being thorough, many knife and tool sharpeners will use both methods, using one strop with compound applied, then following up with a few strokes on a plain strop. This allows them to achieve the optimal level of sharpness and polish for their blades.
In conclusion, whether you're a straight razor user or a knife and tool sharpener, a strop is a valuable tool in maintaining and refining the edge of your blades. Whether you choose to use a plain leather strop or one with a compound applied, both methods can provide excellent results. It's a matter of personal preference and the level of sharpness you desire. Experimenting with different strops and compounds can help you find the best method for your needs.
On the other hand, knife and tools users often prefer to use a compound on their strops. This is because compounds, such as honing or polishing compounds, are specifically formulated to provide an extra level of abrasiveness that can quickly and easily give them an excellent edge that meets their needs. They are also available in different grit levels to fit the level of sharpness you need.
In our experience, whether or not to use a compound is a matter of personal preference. Excellent results can be achieved with either method, although using a honing compound with its abrasive particles will show results more quickly than plain leather strops. In the interest of being thorough, many knife and tool sharpeners will use both methods, using one strop with compound applied, then following up with a few strokes on a plain strop. This allows them to achieve the optimal level of sharpness and polish for their blades.
In conclusion, whether you're a straight razor user or a knife and tool sharpener, a strop is a valuable tool in maintaining and refining the edge of your blades. Whether you choose to use a plain leather strop or one with a compound applied, both methods can provide excellent results. It's a matter of personal preference and the level of sharpness you desire. Experimenting with different strops and compounds can help you find the best method for your needs.