A strop is a surface that is used after the finest stone for the final stage of sharpening. The function of a strop is to polish the edge and work off any burr left behind by sharpening stones. Although other materials are used, strops are most often made of leather. Both suede and smooth leathers, technically known as flesh side and grain side, are used. They can be mounted to a rigid base, like leather on wood paddle strop, or can be flexible, like a leather and linen razor strop.
This strop can be used without any compound. Sharpeners of straight razors for instance often prefer using a smooth leather strop with no compound applied. The leather polishes the metal and removes any burr from the edge, leaving it crisp and sharp.
- Polishes the edge & works off any burr left behind by sharpening stones
- Mounts to a rigid base, like leather on a wood paddle strop, or a leather & linen razor strop
- Ideal for sharpening straight razors
- Leaves metal crisp & sharp
