The Ultimate Guide to Using Stropping Compound: Achieving a Mirror Finish on Your Blades
If you're a knife or tool sharpener, you know that achieving the perfect edge on your blades requires more than just a sharpening stone. That's where stropping compound comes in. In this guide, we'll show you how to use stropping compound to take your blades to the next level of sharpness and polish.
First, it's important to understand that stropping compound must be applied to a surface in order to be used. Many surfaces can be used with compounds, but leather strops are one of the most common. The compound is applied to the surface and then the edge is passed over it.
When applying the compound, it's important to use a small amount and to spread it evenly across the surface of the strop. You can use a small spatula, or even the back of your knife, to do this. Once the compound is applied, you're ready to start stropping.
When stropping, it's important to keep the angle of the blade consistent and to apply moderate pressure. It's also important to note that honing compound is the final abrasive used in the sharpening process. The abrasive particles in honing compound are extremely small and will polish an existing edge to a mirror finish, but they are not aggressive enough to bring a dull edge back to sharp. Therefore, the edge being sharpened must have been taken through the finest sharpening stones before the compound is used for it to be effective.
It's also worth mentioning that different types of stropping compounds are available, with different grit levels to fit the level of sharpness you need. Experiment with different compounds to find the one that works best for you.
In conclusion, stropping compound is a valuable tool for knife and tool sharpeners looking to achieve a mirror finish on their blades. When used correctly, it can take your blades to the next level of sharpness and polish. Remember to apply the compound on a surface and use it as the final step in the sharpening process after using the finest sharpening stones.
First, it's important to understand that stropping compound must be applied to a surface in order to be used. Many surfaces can be used with compounds, but leather strops are one of the most common. The compound is applied to the surface and then the edge is passed over it.
When applying the compound, it's important to use a small amount and to spread it evenly across the surface of the strop. You can use a small spatula, or even the back of your knife, to do this. Once the compound is applied, you're ready to start stropping.
When stropping, it's important to keep the angle of the blade consistent and to apply moderate pressure. It's also important to note that honing compound is the final abrasive used in the sharpening process. The abrasive particles in honing compound are extremely small and will polish an existing edge to a mirror finish, but they are not aggressive enough to bring a dull edge back to sharp. Therefore, the edge being sharpened must have been taken through the finest sharpening stones before the compound is used for it to be effective.
It's also worth mentioning that different types of stropping compounds are available, with different grit levels to fit the level of sharpness you need. Experiment with different compounds to find the one that works best for you.
In conclusion, stropping compound is a valuable tool for knife and tool sharpeners looking to achieve a mirror finish on their blades. When used correctly, it can take your blades to the next level of sharpness and polish. Remember to apply the compound on a surface and use it as the final step in the sharpening process after using the finest sharpening stones.