Should I Use A Strop For My Bowie Knife?

Those who were around before the safety blade was invented may remember their dad or grandfather sharpening their blade on their razor strap. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a razor strap. It's called a strop, actually, but your father or grandfather was using one of the best tools for getting a very fine edge on a blade, which was probably a good thing if they were about to shave! These products are still used today for sharpening just about everything, including Bowie knives.

Better Sharpening: No matter what method you use to sharpen your blade, you will always find that the edge can be better. A strop is a great way to get the perfect edge on Bowie knives. A strop is nothing more than a wide leather strap, though you will also find canvas options on the market, as well. Using a strop is a great way to achieve an amazing edge for your knife, when you use it as part of your sharpening process. Once you have ground down the edge with your rod system, simply spend a moment stropping the blade and you will be surprised at the difference.

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.

If you use a strop to sharpen your Bowie knives, remember to replace them when they become ineffective. They do wear out over time, as the abrasive is worn away. Don't get too speedy with sharpening, either. The strop may have very fine abrasive, but it's fully capable of rounding off your edge if you use the incorrect angle. They can destroy a bevel, as well, so don't underestimate the strength of their abrasive material.