basic how-to question

[Anda G]

I have a new Little Shavers kit. I want to use the strop. Exactly how do you use the the stuff you are supposed to put on it? Should it be dry and chalky? I rub it on the strop and it does not feel right. It does not want to come off smoothly. It seems to be too dry. I wish I could SEE somebody using it.

I did a search and I don't see my answer anywhere.

Thanks,
Andagail

[Bartster]

andagail,


i went and looked at the beginners kit to see what type of compound you have, this is similar to what i use and i just rub it pretty hard all over the strop it should turn it white when the whole strop is white then you are good, when you strop it will turn black when it get almost all black then you can rub on some more eventually the strop will become saturated with it. hope this helps.

bart

[squbrigg]

Just rub it in like a crayon, and it will adhire to the leather. Then drag your blade along in a smooth manner, cutting edge almost flat on the leather, raise the back edge or the blade slightly for the correct angle (perhaps enough to slip a dime between the back edge of the knife and the leather). Do this a few strokes on one side, then a few strokes on the other, until it feels comfortable.

It isn't difficult to get use to, just takes practice. Check out Rick Ferry's web site at www.littleshavers.com and you'll see a good tutorial on sharpening and stroping. Let us know if you run into trouble, and we'll do our best to help.

Bob

[cseymour]

Hi All,
If I might add to this question -- how often do you strop your tools? I have Rick's beginner kit as well. I am working through his tutorial to create a pine cone ornament so I am basically using just the bench knife for now. Was just curious as to when you would know your tools would need to be "stropped"

Thanks.

Chris

[Kenny_S]

The rub on have it! Yup, Rub it on like a crayon.

[Just Carving]

Some people say as a rule, for each half hour's use. But as you go along you'll probably see that's a bit much. I usually do it at the beginning or at the end of each session, and if I see the cuts are not clean and crisp. Also, if you're carving a wood known for dulling like cedar, than you'll want to strop more often. If you're carving basswood, either before or after each session should be fine.

Bob L

[Robert Cahill]

I kinda do as Bob L does but if you are new try and pay attention as to the pressure you are using. I cut myself most when I am not paying attention and the knife got dull I put too much pressure then out come the band-aids.

[Tom-H]

One of my buddies has an old blender. He just throws in some chunks of the stroppin material, a squirt of dish washin soap and turns it on. Takes the paste result and smears it on the strop leather. Everything seems to be fine except my buddies current relationship with his wife. But I am sure things will get back to normal when he buys her a new blender for Christmas.

Tom H

[Kenny_S]

Tom Is that the one that didn;t see his wife for a couple of days after he did that?

Well at least he didn't see her till the swelling went down in his eyes!!!!!!

[Shimmy]

I bought a miniature Food grater.about 1.1/2" tall at a kitchen utensils store.Grate the block fine , small pile,put it in a Perscription bottle.Pour a litte on your strop when you need it. Or grate it with a Riffler file.