Strops -Make One ,Use One

#knifesharpening #leatherstrop #strop
linktr.ee/doug...
Moving along in our introduction to woodcarving series today we tackle the often intimidating task of knife sharpening and maintenance.There are many systems out there but we are making it easy and focusing our attention on the making and using of a leather strop.Making a leather strop is easy to do and for basic whittling and carving is really all you need to maintain a sharp knife
-the leather used is vegetable tanned leather i picked up at Tandy leather

[@matthewdrehobl2835]

Doug, for the last 4 months I've been sitting down with my middle son and showing him that there are more people like us that like to carve. He has been teased at school by kids with no vision. Your calm mellow inspiring vidios have helped me help my son. Thank you and carve on

[@spacewalla3574]

Matthew, please tell your son “well done him” from the UK. Having a skill of hand is so important and helps to build inner confidence. I always used to encourage my four boys, when they were growing up and scared to try something new, “to feel the fear and do it anyway”.

[@gendisruptionfuller4385]

Go Son go!!!

[@nancyjohnson5483]

girls luv a guy who carves-keep being you

[@raincoast9010]

I think carving is great, something you can do on a rainy day or sitting by the fire or in the evening on the porch.

[@magetaaaaaa]

The kids at his school are automatons. They are of low moral fiber.

[@TheCrafsMan]

Mannn, uncle Doug... I tell you what... I feel flat-out honored. I did a double-take when I saw your shirt. Then I did it again. :D Can't thank you enough for your support. Also, I REALLY like your approach. I've seen people take themselves and sharpening WAY too seriously, and get hung up on specific tools and little details. I appreciate you so much, my friend.

[@dougLinker]

+TheCrafsMan SteadyCraftin I think it’s my new favourite shirt 😃 I was just watching one of your old videos and wished I had seen it earlier to recycle your knife sharpening joke haha

[@TheCrafsMan]

@@dougLinker Haha! Mannn, PLEASE feel free to use that sharpening joke any time! I forgot where I originally heard that from, but it has several variations. :)

[@AVspectre]

I wasn’t familiar with your channel but the shirt caught my eye right away. :)

[@thomasbrown938]

You guys are both badass!

[@bobbytaylor5559]

This is awesome! I love watching both of y'all's channels!

[@rogerbuchanan8154]

Thanks Doug I'm 65 years old and After watching you on KZbin for about 6 month you have inspired me to try my hand at carving after 40+ years of woodworking. Got my stuff last week and tried following along with your Santa carving needless to say not to pretty. But it the first of many attempts to follow. Thanks again

[@gfein1138]

Hey Roger I am 57 and I am just starting out as well. All I can say is take it slow and get a good knife. I use OCCT knives I love them. Good luck

[@larryprocunier8744]

I am 72 years old and I also have taken up carving. I am completely hooked. Have been watching Doug’s videos until all hours of the morning. My wife says that I’m a natural. I don’t know about that but I’m having a lot of fun. Really enjoy whittling the little caricature pieces. Such a fun ,inexpensive hobby

[@TonyCollins-s7r]

I’m interested as well. Tried making a few things a long time ago, needless to say, I have a LOT of practice in my future. These videos are extremely helpful for someone like me who isn’t artistic. Best of luck to others starting out.

[@jasonboe]

Not being taught any of this growing up does make small things, like sharpening a knife, intimidating. Thanks for the insight!

[@coolairaz]

Been sharpening knives wrong for 50 years as had my dad, oh well, at 71 I learned something important. Thanks Doug.

[@FrederickLilly]

Doug, I've been watching you 4 years. And I think you show it's great. I'll watch a lot of carvers. And I love you techniques.

[@fhtommy]

I love the Shirt! TheCrafsMan! It makes me happy to see my favorite youtube channels like each other. It is good to hear someone say that you only need to strop to maintain sharpness. There are so many videos that show how to sharpen blades but do not mention this! Thank you Doug!

[@TheRoadDawg]

I love your quiet, soothing, little “alright?” statement you make every so often. You’re a great, patient teacher Doug!

[@joepiro3963]

As I watch the videos of wood carving with Doug , I'm reminded of the great Bob Ross on Sunday mornings painting (dab the brush) he would say; with his calm voice. Thank you Doug. I'm looking for tools now... haha

[@justalurkr]

"We don't have to be animals; we can put some oil on it." I laughed way too much at this. Thank you for posting. The craft stores I frequent will sell me knives and basswood blocks, but no strop.

[@hiroprotagonist525]

I'm a leather craftsman and I use snap-off blades with my xacto knife. I never used to strop and I would go through a fair amount of blades since I work with veg tan leather, which is harder on a knife than chrome tan... but ever since I started stropping my blade, it lasts me a lot longer. So yes, it works!

[@ninjarobotmonk3y]

The Crafsman sent me here, just as I was sharpening my chisels too! Really great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@chickencoop628]

Sharpening has been a scary thing for me with my knifes, glad to see you give this tutorial. Thanks Doug!

[@charleslamica5123]

I own a custom leather shop and sharp knives are absolutely important to my work. If you strop frequently you will never again have to use a whet stone unless you somehow nick or damage your knife. My leather cutting knives haven't touched a stone in years, but they are scary-sharp because I strop them every day. Thanks for your videos, Doug.

[@larryg.4398]

This is Christmas Day and I got all I needed to start my first carving. I just happened to watch one of your KZbin videos a few months ago and got hooked watching them. Had to come back to the stropping to care for my new knife set. Thanks for the new hobby.

[@scottconger1266]

I made one a while back, i use it before and after every carving and my blade is alwars razor sharp, thanks Doug.

[@anitarussum4590]

Scott Conger ...cool and smart Scott Conger.

[@debbiemcnorton2722]

These videos are great for the absolute beginner, and I find your style of instruction so calming and really easy to follow.

[@sublimical1311]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Doug! Loving this series so far!

[@clayguinard3651]

I want to thank you for all the time and effort you put into your videos I really get a lot of knowledge out of them... My name is clay from northern Maine

[@Stang413]

I came here after seeing you on Joe’s videos. I really enjoy these carving videos and like how you explain things.

[@bjplatz9557]

Thanks Doug! I just made my very first strop ever! Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for keeping it simple. I've always wanted to sit at a campfire and make an old man face out of a nearby stick...

[@Brentegg]

Hey Doug, just wanted to say you played a big part in getting my father and I into carving and I have started my own twitch channel focused on carving.

[@judimcleod235]

You've inspired me to try carving. I've been watching this series and putting tools into my Amazon wish list (so hubby and my sons have ideas for Christmas gifts). Looking forward to your next video about wood choices. Thank you, Doug!

[@connordewing6733]

Did you ever make any thing Judi?

[@judimcleod235]

@@connordewing6733 I tried to make a snowman. It looked terrible, so I had a good laugh. I found that the arthritis in my hands isn't going to allow me to carve. I've let others borrow my carving tools.

[@wrbrown13]

Great video! So many carvers ask about sharpening knives. I'll certainly point them to this video. The only things I do differently, is shape a handle at the back of the strop for holding when necessary. And I use the smooth side of the leather, and rough it with a belt sander - that gives it enough roughness to hold the compound, but seems to allow more surface contact with the blade.

[@jamesstancliff3313]

DOUG, THATS ANOTHER EXCELLENT VIDEO, I MADE TWO STROPS LIKE YOU SHOWED US THEY WORK PERFECT. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY !!

[@jerrywormeyhicks7427]

This is a good series that applies to many other things that a non carver can get some good info too. Your doing a good thing here Doug, I like your keeping it simple for the folks that don't have all the equipment that might be on a tight budget.

[@stillwater62]

I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. I have binge watched almost half of your videos and I am smarter in the ways of wood carving than I ever thought possible. I wish computers, the internet, and you had been around fifty-five years ago.

[@janethartwig774]

Even though I don’t carve, my week is complete now that Doug is teaching us. You’re the best, Doug.

[@GuyConscious]

I started carving with no experience and not bothering with KZbin. Watching your videos now helps me lots but also shows me that I'm likely right where I should be at this stage in terms of tools and skills. Thanks for sharing your skills with the world.

[@marknapoli8736]

Hiya Doug, I'm a sculptor that's just getting into wood carving. I really appreciate what you do on your channel. Thanks very much. Mark

[@southernbfarms]

A wholehearted thank you! The other KZbin carvers are great, but with you I can relate so much more.

[@happypheetphotographyBYWILEY]

Good Morning Doug - As a young and wild child, my parents introduced me to the strop quite frequently. Just kidding. I use my strop frequently and the edge on my knives almost scares me with how sharp it is. This is useful information and I thank you for sharing it.

[@stormy439]

😂🤣😂🤣💓🇺🇸 My butt got "stropped" too!! Only when I deserved it, and at 56, I know I deserved more than I got! My Dad had the fastest draw in the East! LMAO! The sound of a belt JUST being pulled off pants could make me righteous in an instant!! Ahhhh, old school discipline did work!😁🇺🇸💓

[@ohitstheotherthing]

Hey Doug! You and The CrafsMan are my top favorites. Love the shirt! Thanks for another great video🤠

[@JW-ez1kt]

Doug is #1

[@beaunaro]

You continue to be the one of many utube carvers that I go to first when wanting a new project. Thank you very much!

[@terrygwilson9628]

Doug, I’m 76, and I’ve learned more about using a strop in the last 10 minutes than all the other years total. So, thank you very much.

[@barryfigel9957]

Thank you Doug you are amazing teacher. nobody's ever taught me that. I just bought me a helvie knife. Thank you for everything you do for us. you are amazing.

[@stormbringer_7774]

I just bought palm v gouges and other shaped chisels as my second purchase in my wood carving. I’m sooo hooked on this stuff dude thanks to you!😂🙌🇬🇧

[@claireneideffer9418]

Hay Doug, your a quality teacher, thanks for the hours and hours of instruction and enjoyment I’ve gotten as I’ve learned from you. My wood craft tool shops have profited greatly from my excitement of having those really really needed copy of your tools. Your really appreciated, not enough thank you’s can be sent your way, I’ll send one and you multiply em. Thanks Doug

[@allangarvey8474]

Thank-you Doug. Awesome video on stropping.

[@marca5883]

This is the video that guided me to this channel, Doug you are a legend & you alone have bought me to the world of carving, where I shall reside forever more...

[@saundersd1962]

Thanks Doug for all the effort you put in to sharing your knowledge and passion for wood carving, it’s inspirational.

[@chucklambert7470]

Doug, The Strop video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@lilmamamudd]

I work with green willows, and thanks to you I have kept my flexcuts sharp for each project , and now my gouges! Thanks for your time in making these videos Doug!

[@thorpt211]

Thank you for this video. I was intimidated by the process but I am glad to know the entire process now.

[@janetwithers7427]

Yup, I need a strop. That was interesting and I learned a lot. Thanks!!! 🦃🍂🌾🍁💖

[@kerryburns6041]

Getting into spoon carving I´ve realised that the first essential is to learn how to keep a blade sharp, this video was very helpful indeed, thank you .

[@Danny_Joiner]

Doug, this series your doing is going to help so many people starting wood carving & or already carves. Thank you for another great tutorial 👊

[@coolairaz]

71 and will start first project tomorrow. Thanks teacher Doug.

[@ronmccarty7537]

Wow! So no-nonsense! So comprehensive! No fluff! All logic and Common Sense! Thank you Sensei Doug!😃

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Great series, for some reason all my notifications have stopped, not sure why, but I come looking for the videos so no worries keeping up on this series.

[@randymorgan-droneovermichigan]

THANKS FOR THIS LESSON!!! l have been needing, for a very long time, someone to show me how to sharpen me knives and gouges. I have even given up carving because I could not get my tools sharp again. I can't wait to get started sharpening blades!

[@bspinney26]

Cheers to breaking down the walls that prevent some people from starting. Yes, you CAN oil and fuss and have preferences and talk all day about the maximum amount of effort, but you can also get ANY piece of leather, glue it with anything that sticks, glue the leather to anything straight, put some compound on and go! The important thing is that you have a strop and you get whittling! Keep up the good work, Doug.

[@ViKee010]

I’ve been watching and learning from you for a couple of months now. I wondered if others felt, as I do, that the sharpening of the blade is as relaxing as creating something from it and wood. When you said that it felt that way to you, I knew that at least one person found that peace that came from stropping their blade. I must be doing something right. Thank you Doug, for all that you do to teach us and help us realize what a wonderful pastime this world of “whittling” can be. I’m a 63 year old woman and personally, I would probably not have tried, if it hadn’t been for you. ✌🏻🤍🤞

[@shenlun]

Doug, coming from a Watchmaking background you are correct in identify the colors as a kin to sandpaper. For Stainless Steel Yellow is a coarse White a pre-polish (medium) Green a fine polish (Fine)

[@frederickmoller]

Thanks Doug, the first person to teach me all about stropping, I never know the 'mechanics of it...your series of videos has me very intrigued, I can't wait till the next video!

[@chapygrace]

Hey, thanks for your videos! found you yesterday, and already half way through my first carving (bunny I watched you do). Thought my knife was sharp, NOT! :) So, here i am!

[@michaelrafa100]

Doug, thank you for your very clear and concise explanations and demonstrations. I have used stropping as my go-to and exclusive method of reviving dull edges on many of my edge tools. Keep up the good work and great videos!! 😊

[@patrickm3732]

You're such a good teacher. Make it seem so simple. I imagine I could use this same process for my kitchen knives?

[@johnnymotorboat8824]

Yeah absolutely. I personally would alwats prefer the smoother side. Mostly for uniformity. As long as the compound is on the leather it's doing the same work.

[@oleskoolhunter5081]

I'm a beginner just purchased a few knives and really hope I can grasp the concept of carving because I really need this I'm retired and this would be a enjoyable hobby thanks for sharing this with us Doug willing and waiting for your next video

[@RatdogDRB]

Good stuff, Doug. I was just having a conversation with a friend, yesterday, we were talking about this series you're doing (after I'd sent him a link to eyeball it), and we were talking about strop use. Great timing for this video!!

[@davidb8872]

Great lesson, don’t think the average person knows that stroping is so effective including me. You have me rethinking my sharping routine mostly for knives. I have a flexcut kit for future projects when I retire soon, have all the other sharping stuff u showed also. Looking forward to the rest if this series.

[@colinbeitz6799]

Doug...this is so well worth it..... these lessons are just superb... thank you from a new beginner

[@bobesselstyn461]

great vid Doug and going to be a real learning series thanks for keeping us interested in class,take care

[@mikemorgan5015]

Great video! I made several of these of different sizes a few years back. Maybe the best damn things I ever made. I tend to use the longer ones 18 and 24 inch the most. Carved a handle in the end of each one and use them more like a file. I like to put whatever it is that I'm stropping in a soft jaw vise and go at it. I find that the longer strokes and added speed with control really brings a fine, fast result. I do all of my kitchen knives, pocket knives, axes, scissors, plane irons, chisels etc. with these things. WOW! If you think you know sharp, give these a try. They take it to another level and leave a mirror polish which resists rust and looks amazing too. I also find that stropped edges last longer and are more durable. I have at least one each for white, red, and green compound. White then red and finish with green. Once you have it polished in well, you should only need to use the green. Two highly enthusiastic thumbs up for leather strops.

[@Tbowie13]

I have a number of quality pocket knives that have never seen a stone either...just a strop. Those knives are like razors. I carry a sheepsfoot blade that is razor sharp and I use it daily...its always been stropped. It's amazing how well just stropping works. I even strop my high grade hatchets...also do my broadheads for my recurves. Some of those arrowheads have killed multiple deer. Stropping works!

[@lukeharrison8500]

The best explanation of stropping I've come across. Thanks.

[@alanbrooking7081]

just started out carving finding these vids great thank you

[@martins.5977]

Now, in the end of 2022 I still love this vid. I only recommend using the smooth side up. The rough side kind of rounds the edge on the very tip it.

[@GrandmasterGib]

Thanks for simplifying things! I had been watching other videos on stroping, sharpening, and making strops and your's is by far the easiest and most informative. It's great to see that just stroping with compound will keep my knife sharp and I don't have to invest in diamond sharpening stones, etc, or even buy a pre-made strop. (BTW - The bird house in the background is awesome!)

[@curtkvaas1559]

Thanks for all your videos I am 70 and i love they way you carve and show how it's done. again thanks Curtis L Kvaas

[@virginiareid5336]

I'm old enough to remember Dad's barber having a long leather strap attached to the chair. I used to love to watch him sharpen his straight razors.

[@ms-ht1cj]

Who knows better how to sharpen tools than a carver himself, right? 👍 This is the best video about sharpening knives and chisels I've ever seen. Thank you, sir. 😊

[@jwatt65]

Followed your advice when you covered strops on a previous video. Worked like a charm! Coupled your advice with that from Kevin Coates (including how to make an excellent whittling knife from an old fish fillet knife) and have been happily carving ever since. Many thanks...

[@retiredyeti5555]

Don't have a grinding wheel, so that simplifies it for me. Do have a diamond sharpener, and an Arkansas stone, but hate having to oil it and it gets messy. Now I find that I can use some of my scrap leather and the rouge that I use to sharpen my leather carving knives, to sharpen my numerous jackknives!. Life got simpler! Your "so easy to understand" videos may tempt me into trying wood carving, but first I have a handcarved belt to make for my nephew.

[@robertlittle9907]

Awesome advice Doug. That's the way my grandfather and Dad used to sharpen knives. And this is the way I always sharpen my knives.

[@FelixImmler]

Thanks a lot for this video!

[@toddtremeer7057]

Thanks for your simple video. I just made my strop based on your demonstration and will try it as soon as the glue dries.

[@TonyBoy22657]

Awesome tip for the improvised V tool reverse strop.

[@berendtuin5488]

Hi Doug, a very clear instruction. Thanks for your inspiration 🙏

[@jodihyde-parker9220]

Thank you Doug I am very new to the world of carving and so far your videos are very helpful. Thanks!!

[@petersmith9173]

I am happy that I came across your useing a strop to sharpen my carving knifes I was going to buy all sorts of grinders and diamond stone s again thank you . Pete

[@timelmore2]

Your shop looks like the chip'n away retail shop. Thanks for saving us the time and money and proving that simple is good enough.

[@sndman60]

Doug, I really must complement you on your tutorials, guidance, carving tips and instruction on carving various projects. I am retired military and needed a hobby; you have been instrumental in making that happen. Your references of Gene Merser and others have made a great impact. Thank you for sharing, very much appreciated.

[@patriciatatich3014]

Returned to this vid … appreciate the simplicity of your sharpening task…retraining in progress :)

[@DavidClunie]

Craftsman sent me here glad to have found you!

[@johnjude2685]

Copied it and it works great. Scary sharp indeed Sir Thanks for teaching ❤️

[@daleleonard9486]

Quality video, I have always used stones then strop off the bur because thats how i was taught, but this gives a new meaning to stropping your blade. I look forward to making a few of my own and trying it out.

[@tigerseye73]

Doug, you have an easy going way of teaching. Never knew any of this stropping for knives was so easy and inexpensive. Great video. I will be using this new knowledge on my fish fillet knives. Thanks for sharing.

[@suepeterson5675]

Good Morning Doug ! It amazes me how a piece of leather can sharpen a knife 🤔 👍 😊

[@carlgjendem6880]

Heh Doug, Greetings from the Great White North (British Columbia) A big thank you for sharing the knowledge in such a clear, concise way. Inspiring stuff. Going to start carving today,,,,,Stay healthy, Cheers

[@oldjoeclarke.]

Japanese kitchen knife user here. Got loads of strops that I made, Green, diamond and CBN. I do use the stones but the strops keeps me away from them for months. I strop each knife after use after cleaning them and it pays off. Less metal removal but excellent performance. Great video my friend from one stopper to another.

[@ernestwilson35]

Again you are showing me what is needed. I don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on electric generators and sand papers to have fun. Enjoy life and keep moving forward. Thanks!

[@roycehellion]

Skimmed through it, will watch in full tomorrow, but just seeing the beard inspired confidence....also the workshop.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video. It is encouraging to see that you can keep your blades sharp this simple way.

[@slash1956]

Thanks, Doug, I have a set of 3 Beebe carving tools and a strop but never learned the proper way to use the strop or compound until I watched this video. I was getting frustrated with the carving I was attempting and did not realize it was increasingly dull tools that were the issue. I need to find more time now to carve.

[@terrystrong9787]

Great class on honing and stroping

[@Pilph1966]

Love it. I made my strop after watching your last video of how to make one. Now I am making one for a christmas present. Never realized how easy they are to make.

[@darrenreynolds896]

Thanks Doug... From across the pond, been watching for a few months now.. you make things very easy to understand. Keep the videos coming you’re doing a great job.👍🏻

[@lydiarol7892]

Thanks! A little while ago I bought a second hand set of carving tools, they really dull. Good timing, now I know what to do.

[@wschumpert]

The wealth of knowledge you provide is so valuable. Thank you.