The number of options out there to help you sharpen your Bowie knife are staggering. You have traditional bench stones, as well as rod systems and more exotic options. However, many people feel that a strop should be used in conjunction with other sharpening methods. What is a strop? How does it work? Is this a good choice for your needs? To answer these questions, you’ll need to look a bit deeper at what a strop is.
In essence, a strop is nothing more than a wide strip of leather or canvas. Most users prefer a leather strop, but canvas options are quite popular as well. The strop might be a handheld paddle, or it can be mounted to a wall or some other immovable object. Stropping a Bowie knife should be done as part of the sharpening process, or as part of basic maintenance, between sharpening periods. It should not be used as a replacement for a rod system or even a bench stone. Why bother stropping at all, then, if it cannot replace other options?
Better Polishing: In addition to sharpening, you will find that a strop can help you keep your Bowie knives looking great for life. Along with the sharpening, rubbing your blade against the leather will put an incredible shine to the metal. This is required care for straight razors, and is largely the reason that they look so new, even if they are decades old. Using a strop can help you keep rust from your blade and can help remove stain spots that even some chemical cleaners cannot eliminate.
Better Mid-cycle Care: Have you ever noticed that once you get a terrific edge to Bowie knives, a few uses will leave the edge noticeably duller? While your knife does remain quite sharp, it has lost that ultimate edge. A quick stropping can restore that edge in those times between regular sharpening sessions, which can make your blade last longer.
As you can see, there are numerous reasons that a strop should be part of your care regimen for Bowie knives and other knives in your collection. This simple device can offer some significant advantages for the committed knife lover, as well as for the blades in your possession.
Blake is a business consultant for an online bowie knifes store featuring western bowie knife.
