Strops: Hard backed or not? Preference or different application?

[MertzMan]

Strops: Hard backed or not? Preference or different application?

Is there a difference between strops mounted on a bit of wood or lain flat on a table to those that are clipped onto something and used in the air so to speak?

I've a good leather belt and wondered if it's necessary to lay it on the table when using or to clip it on to a branch and use it that way.

I'm sharpening a Mora if that makes any difference, no straight razors!

 

[Man of Tanith]

it can I believe affect the type of grind?
so may be that convex is better on just a belt and hardback for scandi grind?
can't recall for definite

 

[Nice65]

Thickness of leather and backing affects the edge in different ways. For convex grinds I use 3mm veg tan glued to a hardwood offcut. The thickness of the leather allows the allows it to curl gently round the edge. It will work fine on a scandi, just be careful not to lift at the end of the stroke, and maybe use a bit less pressure.

For the smaller bevels found on pocket knives I have a Longstrider strop with thinner leather so it doesn't compress so much. I don't use any strops not glued to a backing material.

 

[MertzMan]

Thanks for the information gents.

Looks like I'll have to keep my eyes out for a fixed back one soon.

 

[Man of Tanith]

easy to make.
bit of plank some leather and some glue

 

[Hedgecrafter]

Nice65 was all over that one and I agree.
It's got to be hard backed. If you use a belt your going to end up with a blunt edge as the belt will bow. If the strop is hard backed the. You are in full control of the angle.

I use a longstrider strop, but you can stick any belt, bit of leather or even denim to some wood. You just need any material that will hold some stroping compound.

 

[VaughnT]

My strops are always backed, usually on a nice piece of wood, and I only use cereal-box cardboard to hold the stropping compound. The cardboard is very thin, but also dense. It holds the rouge, but doesn't compress like leather does.

Obviously not as durable as leather. But it is easily replaced when necessary.

 

[Hedgecrafter]

My strops are always backed, usually on a nice piece of wood, and I only use cereal-box cardboard to hold the stropping compound. The cardboard is very thin, but also dense. It holds the rouge, but doesn't compress like leather does.

Obviously not as durable as leather. But it is easily replaced when necessary.

Denim or cotton will give similar effect but will hold more compound and will not wear.

 

[Samon]

Hard backed for me too. Belt only if I'm away from my cave!

 

[MertzMan]

Very informative guys thanks. I've got some spare pallets knocking about so I'll glue my old leather belt onto some wood from that.

As for compound, is there a preferred choice for knives? all my blades have been over a 4,000 grit stone prior to this if that makes any difference.

 

[Nice65]

Very informative guys thanks. I've got some spare pallets knocking about so I'll glue my old leather belt onto some wood from that.

As for compound, is there a preferred choice for knives? all my blades have been over a 4,000 grit stone prior to this if that makes any difference.

Pallet wood isn't very smooth, though it should work.

Better bet might be to visit your local joinery and see if they have any off cuts that have been through the thicknesser, find a bit of MDF, or wood flooring companies chuck out loads of composite flooring which is hard as nails. It's important your backing surface is flat.

Impact adhesive is the best bet for glueing, and I like Autosol as a compound, it's not too fine.

 

[Siberianfury]

hardback for a flat grind everytime, otherwise it will round the bevel with prelonged use

 

[ozzy1977]

Mine are hard backed too.

 

[sasquatch]

Hanging strops are fine if you have the technique to use them, hard backed are easier to use.

 

[robevs73]

Hard backed gets my vote.