3 Stropping Tips Beginners Must Know (Knife Sharpening)

3 Stropping Tips Beginners Must Know. Stropping a knife is simple but there are several things to keep in mind if you want the best edges possible. These tips apply to any knife.
Chapters
0:00 INTRO
00:25 Tip 1 Don't strop too much
01:14 Tip 2 Round over is BAD
02:05 Tip 3 Its all about that compound don't be FOOLED
06:26 BONUS TIP

#knifesharpening #sharpening #kitchenknife

Stone used in video (recommended)

Strop compound spray/ emulsion
I haven’t used this brand personally but it comes recommended by people i trust.
This is the 1 micron but they sell others as well.

Camera gear⬇️
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FULL DISCLOSURE
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[OUTDOORS]

Be sure to check out my recommended product page on my website, including sharpening stones, strop compounds, and knife making supplies ⬇

[gmorel]

Been using a strop on my knives for ages and had no idea about the scratch pattern direction thing. Been doing it the opposite this whole time lol. Great video 👍🏻

[Bob_Adkins]

Congratulations, you're the first knife guy I have come across that understands stropping. The closeup of the blade sinking into the soft leather answers the age-old question "Why does my knife get duller the more I strop?" You gave a good solution, but mine is different: I use a hard rawhide strop that the blade does not sink into. You can actually sharpen a knife with this, though I rather a stone for real dull blades. I use 1-5 micron diamond on the rawhide because it's faster and just as cheap. You can also impress a shallow checkered pattern into the rawhide to retain the diamond lapping compound. Well done sir!

[Jenonymouse]

6:27 The bonus tip about reversing your sharpening method on the strop so you don't change the scratch pattern was exactly what I needed to hear. I appreciate your visuals and the way you explain everything. Thanks!

[Ryan_Pelletier]

I've transitioned away from strops completely at this point and do all of my finishing on high grit stones. No risk of round over, lapping the stone gets you new, clean abrasive every time, etc.

[pathann]

This is the video I didn't know I needed! Have put these into practice and my results are 1000x better!

[stpetie]

I've only seen a few dozen of your videos but every one has been interesting and informative. Not to mention entertaining. Thanks for the info and the effort you spend getting it to us. It's appreciated.

[dororo]

Damn dude, I was sharpening to the point it would shave and call it good. Figured my skills wernt quite there for hair splitting/whittling sharp. After following your tips I just achieved my first hair whittle. Thanks my dude!

[iSJy]

Thank you so much for the energy and time you put in your videos! I'm also glad Youtube recommended me your channel!

[JohnPreston]

Platitude.
Tangential anecdote.
My unsolicited opinion.
Just like many of the comments.
But 8:04 to 8:15 reveals why I have had to plough through so much utter rubbish when searching on YouTube for sharpening advice as good (and as entertaining, including the offbeat reflection on Internet access) as yours. By chance, one of your videos appeared in my suggested list, and like a lot of people, I have done the decent thing and Liked and Subscribed.
(The person who uploaded his opinion that the pinnacle of sharpening methods was to use an electric bench-grinder had me shouting at the screen. Glad to have found your channel, thanks.) 👍

[MARTIN-THE_MARTIAN]

You have helped me man for over 4 years I've been sharpening knives while watching your videos I'm 15 BTW with this I have made over $200 in a week thank you hope to see more from you

I was the one who asked about the folding knives sorry

[willieboy]

Excellent information. I am much bigger on sharpening with whetstones than constant stopping. I generally use a good leather with mineral oil. I did not know the direction of stropping would matter. Makes sense. Thanks.

[peebee]

You have been very helpful! I have just got my wet-stone running after several years, I have worked out the angles for straightening, sharpening, and putting the second angle on. I knew nothing about fine-honing or stropping. Will be buying some diamond compound and I have a couple of friends in the equine world who will be able to get me some strong saddle leather for stropping.

[Abgnfshmsnbvadbfzdg]

Im so happy U r back
I can"t say how many times i"ve tryied
too look after U and Your leesons.
I'm glad too have u back.
I'm sorry for spelling,
Trying my best.
Hope you poste more .

[domparisi]

Just Started being serious about sharpening. Your advice and examples are definitely very helpful.

[tombrown]

Glad you got internet again. When you get back to selling some strops i want to get one from you. Just been using some scraps from belt making. Happy to see you posting again !

[Platoface]

You hit on all the visuals that are needed to get a good understanding of stropping. You got a sub out of me. I appreciate your knowledge.

[AnomadAlaska]

Those close up shots were really nice. Well done.

[EDCandLace]

Always a happy day when Alex releases a new video!!!!

[gall_crafter_works]

Awesome tips as always, brother! I'll definitely take your advice on being light on the strop and follow the scratch patterns. I also tend to drop some oil on my green compound (chromium oxide) given it's dry and somewhat flaky. A little oil helps color the strop an even green. Cheers!