Strop is a a strip of leather, for sharpening straight knives, carving tools, gardening tools.
My Leather Strop is 9" x 3" Flat surface with 1/4"45 degree radius edge for gouges and V tools. The Handle is an additional 5". The wood is Pine.
Steps:
1- Use a 7oz to 9oz leather cut over the edge.
2- Spread contact cement on board and on the leather. Once cement is tacky place it in position. Be sure you place it correctly because it sticks fast.
3- Cut off any excess leather.
4- Use green honing compound found @ Ace Hardware, on the rough side. You will use the smooth side to finish to get that fine edge.
The strop is used to keep the blade sharp. If the blade is very dull you will need to use a sharpening stone then finish with the Strop to get a fine edge.
