The stropping myth and how to sharpen tools with leather

LINKS TO TOOLS SEEN IN VIDEO (affiliate links)►
A complete sharpening/stropping kit: amzn.to/2xh0KYs
Trend 300/1000 diamond stone: amzn.to/2LPNKmA
Stropping leather: amzn.to/2n4BDmN
Stropping paste: amzn.to/2Azdezc
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[@gregblake2764]

I've spent 50 years in woodworking. Learned using only hand tools. For 20 years I sharpened on natural or man-made oil stones. Then I was introduced to waterstones and stuck with them for 15 years. Got tired of the mess and bought 4 grits of diamond stones. About three years ago I stumbled on the Trend 300/1000 diamond stone and now it's all I use along with a leather strop glued to a piece of birch plywood that I charge with Flexcuts gold compound. Until I can across this video I t thought I was the only one using this simple system. Thanks for the video, it affirms what I discovered on my own three years ago.

[@billwessels207]

Appreciate the grit size of compounds which is almost never discussed on most sharpening videos. An excellent tutorial. Thank you, Sir.

[@5naxalotl]

exactly. i've had a devil of a time getting clear information

[@edhogue7943]

That was a great presentation very informative

[@ahmadfaris8044]

Diffrent brands of paste comes with diffrent color and grit chart, but just go for white then green to be safe

[@BloodSprite-tan]

in my experience the only compound you need is the fine green. it's perfectly acceptable for my kitchen knifes at least.

[@th34lch3m1st]

Another great reference video for my playlist. The micron/grit correspondence it's a delicious information. Let me do a recap just for convenience: 25 to 35 microns ---> 800 grit stone 8 to 15 microns ---> 2000 grit stone 4 to 8 microns ---> 4000 grit stone 2 to 4 microns ---> 8000 grit stone 1 micron or less ---> 10000 grit stone or more Thanks for sharing!

[@cougar1861]

Thanks for writing it down!!!

[@shannoncooley1575]

I love the intelligence and in-depth presentations - Not just this one on stropping, but virtually all of the videos - generally done very professionally and with an air of humor.

[@eosdelb]

Pleasantly surprised with your knowledge. I clicked on this video with skepticism. I have met very few people that understand what stropping is actually about or can comprehend after being told. You lay it out very well and nicely detailed.

[@silvermediastudio]

Stumpy is legit.

[@aname5938]

@@silvermediastudio Usually.

[@robertlangley258]

Grady Bledsoe ......thanks Grady, we all feel a lot better now knowing you took this chance of clicking with disdain and mild contempt on this video and came out surprised and satisfied. We all rest easy now thanks to you.

[@firstbuck4089]

@ Robert Langley. LOL that was good.

[@Gravy_Master]

What are you some sort of stropping elitist?

[@JLuisCastaneda]

I am a chef, and I went from sharpening and honing my Japanese knives on water stones to a 320/1000 diamond plate and a leather strop some time ago. It works well but I've felt like I was flying a little blind. I found the information in this video to be extremely useful. Thanks!

[@freddiedoyle472]

I find your videos to be a fine mix of no nonsense , clear , concise complete information ZERO!! ego and just the right amount of comedy to keeps things lite . They keep moving but never leave out any information. I do have one suggestion however.. And that would be that YOU have yourself a cold one my friend ! I think it quite obvious you have earned it !!! Thank you for the quality content you provide !!

[@jurgenstoll2394]

What a great and informative video. One trick: You're showing your grandfathers razor stropping with a swift stroke on the leather. At the end of the stroke you're giving the razor a turn on the edge. Doing this will blunt your edge, because you're rounding it. The much better (not to say: correct) way is to make a stroke with even (and light) force. Then stop at the end position without a quick and fancy change of direction. Now roll the razor over the back of the blade! And on you go. This isn't a zack-zack-zack highspeed strop like you see in the barber shops in the old western movies. Stropping is a highly accurate finishing move for the precious edge of your razor. Don't ruin your hole sharpening effort by a sloppy stropping! Best greetings from Hamburg, Germany!

[@davidwarren719]

Well said, Jürgen!

[@benth162]

I was going to say the same thing Jurgen, but thought I would read the comments first to see if anyone caught what you did. You are absolutely correct. The blade should be rolled on the spine to go the other direction on the strop. What you did not mention was the reason why about the dulling of the edge. It happens when those using the strop go too fast and instead of lifting the edge up and off the strop they just flip the edge sometimes allowing edge to contact the strop in the turning which defeats why you are using a strop in the first place. Good catch Jurgen.

[@justinstott9565]

David Warren , both of you are very correct! I checked to make sure someone else had covered this as well. If you don’t roll spine-down not only do you run the risk ruining your hone and having to start over, but more tragically, you may Knick your strop and render it unusable. I sure would hate to see that happen to any good strop, much less a family heirloom!

[@robertlangley258]

I think all four of you are completely full of orangutan shit.

[@squirehaggard4749]

@@davidwarren719 "Sloppy Strops": The evil twin of Stumpy Nubs

[@nigelwylie01]

James, For year’s I’ve been a huge stropping advocate among my woodworking, bookbinding & leather-working friends, but I’ve always been defeated by the discussion about ‘surely leather rounds the edge’. I knew from old-timers’ & my own experience it worked best, but couldn’t explain it. You have finally put it into words perfectly. THANK YOU.

[@foomanchewthis]

I’m watching your videos more and more as I’ve gotten a lot of information out of them. You present the topics very well and I enjoy learning from you. Something about teachers who can connect with their students being more effecting. Keep up the great work!

[@MarkAAshdown]

Its an absolute pleasure to watch your videos. Concise, informative - a breath of fresh air

[@timothykeech7394]

Another fluent delivery. You always leave me with the feeling that you absolutely know what you're talking about. Great stuff!

[@artswri]

When James / Stumpy covers a topic, it really gets covered. This one video has more info per vid frame than any other ones I have seen! Thanks again for another 'keeper' video that's one to go back to every time a question on honing pops into mind! And I really enjoy James's touches like how stropping a razor works and was done, love when he refreshes my memories of the -'old days'. And his never bat an eye spots of humor.

[@tembladorpyrographyandwood6310]

Been wondering about all of this since I started woodworking for physical therapy a few years back and you pretty much covered everything I wanted to know about. Thank you so very much!

[@seanworthington7430]

Thank you! At last I found really unbiassed, clear advice on this subject. I like that you don't take an age to explain things but cover everything well. It's a fine balance. You've given be the confidence to dig out my old tools and give them a new lease of life.

[@Joshuakirch]

Thanks so much for this! I'd been trying to improvise my way through the process and was doing okay, but it's so nice to hear it all clearly laid out and explained. Thanks!

[@johnsammut8540]

This is a really useful and comprehensive roundup as I have come to expect from this channel. Thank you for the time and effort and the humour!

[@johnmagee4736]

This presentation is the best I have seen on stropping and answers questions on grit equivalents for paste and various media that I have had over the years Clear and succinct, Thank you for the excellent presentation.

[@wavetrader742]

Great timing! I just purchased a scrap of cowhide from Tandy to make strops for myself and a couple of friends. I had planned on mounting leather to both sides of a paddle shaped piece of wood and wasn't sure which side of the leather to face outward. Problem solved! One side smooth, one side rough, charging the rough sided piece with polishing compound. As always, great information.

[@hp7093]

i watch a lot of these type videos. This is one of the best. Explains quite a bit and tells you what you need. Thanks!!!!

[@robertlangley258]

This is absolutely one of the best if not the best wood working channels on KZbin.

[@rollovaughan]

My dad taught me to strop on paper. The shiny magazine covers are best. He said they used Clay in the paper to help it go shiny and keep the ink crisp when printing fancy pictures. I also inherited a belt from him. It is much too big for me and rather than cut It i use the loose bit to strop when if finished using a diamond stone.......if there is no shiny magazine handy. Never thought I’d share this info with anyone, let alone the interweb.

[@Sadowsky46]

Shiny magazines work better if they have razor-sharp babes on the cover 😂

[@carlosmatos9848]

Yep, I believe it's called "kaolin" clay and I bet it's probably very similar to the natural silicates you'd find in leather that work as a fine abrasive

[@geoffreygoldberg448]

@@carlosmatos9848 Yup. Interesting to note that kaolin is the active ingredient in Kaopectate.

[@breakfastbuddy5]

use gift wrapping paper

[@jasonburns956]

Newspaper work to Murray cater a master Japanese smith uses it

[@KS-gn9ro]

Watched a lot of videos and read many articles on sharpening techniques and equipment but this is by far the best I've come across that explains the purpose and use of stopping and stropping compounds. Its clear, concise and progress in order that avoids confusion. With and excellent summary to finish off the video. Two thumbs up!

[@shanegray1846]

this is incredibly comprehensive i have been serious hobby sharpening for over a decade and this is the best explanation of stropping i have seen. including certain honing and sharpening channels. great job! thank you.

[@thesundaycarpenter2514]

I've been watching your `Stumpy Nubs` videos for about 2 years now. I live in Japan and have no workshop other than my garden. Recently I made my own Saw Bench like the one you made about 5 years ago. I love the bench that I made it is so useful. Thanks for the quality content and inspiration. PS: Go Wings!

[@drenek1]

I'm a professional sharpener and I have to say that I rarely come across videos as good as this one. Of course there are maybe two or three things that I would do differently, but I won't bother explaining, it would be like nitpicking. So if you're not stropping yet, follow the advices of this video, you won't regret it.

[@peglegnoid6139]

Magnetized carbon steel comes into play with very keen tools.Most quality strait razors are stamped MAGNETIZED for a reason.

[@MrSmoothasf]

When I was a butcher I'd just use the stone with oily water and then a steel, never touched a strop in my life but my knifes would shave the hair off your arm with ease. So what's the point in them?

[@drenek1]

​@@MrSmoothasf Cutting meat with a knife is not the same than cutting wood (whittling). Cutting with any tool involves much more parameters than you'd think (type of material to cut, type of cutting edge, type of steel, BLADE GEOMETRY this one is very important, etc.) . For meat and food in general a micro serrated edge works best and for quite a long time. That does not necessarily require stropping. The hair shaving is not a very accurate test. A blade with a very refined edge can shave hair easily but could slide on the skin of a tomato without cutting it properly. Probably the edges you were getting were good enough for meat, but not for wood. For woodworking you need a very refined edge in order to sever the fibers cleanly without any tearing. With a very fine edge you also need less effort to work the wood, which is important especially if you are using a hand tool. Stropping also allows you to form a micro convex edge, giving some grinds more sturdiness (typical case of the scandinavian grind). There is a controversy about that, some say (Cliff Stamp) that one shouldn't round an edge even at the micro level. But I do work wood with knives and have done my tests and found that a micro convex edge is better.

[@peglegnoid6139]

@@MrSmoothasf My point is there are many different types of edges for a particular job. In a butchers job a raspy edge is just fine by your method , but when it comes it trying to split a hair you will need a different sharping method and a whole different edge. And yes i can sharpen a quality magnetized steel edge to split or even shave a human hair. Sir just know there are many types of sharp or keen in the world depends on the job you apply these methods, Have a great day Sir... Don't let your meat loaf .. LOL

[@hannostadler7224]

You can't get enough credit for how well you present the topic info. Beginner from South Africa here- and this video was SOLID info mate. Well done.

[@drforbin801]

This gentleman is an EXCELLENT presenter. Thorough, well-ordered content. Very well done!

[@LowenKM]

Gotta be one of the clearest and most straightforward vids for understanding the actual edge 'mechanics', and the appropriate tools, for sharpening and final honing... thx much!

[@nickyork8901]

One of the clearest explanations of this (or anything else) I've seen on YT, superb. And incredibly useful. Thanks a lot.

[@billyedwards4145]

Excellent! Some of the best info I've seen on stropping and sharpening.

[@DC-rx9gk]

As always, another great video. Thank you for what you do. You consistently provide useful information in a way that is easily understood.

[@toyotas4ever]

Thank you so much for the great information. I've dabbled with stropping on various materials in the past. This video cleared up a lot of confusion for me.

[@dgwaugaman8636]

Thank you for patiently teaching us beginners. I'm learning much from you videos.

[@BeauOwens]

Another great and useful video; thanks for clearing-up the differences between the compounds.

[@andrewsolinski5304]

This was one of the most beneficially videos I have seen on sharpening!!! I started using a strop and it changed my life!!!

[@rdkherman8001]

This gentleman is an excellent educator. I truly enjoyed this video and learned a great deal. Articulate, factual, helpful and to the point. Thank you!

[@JohnMeadowsSoulPatchPiper]

I have found good leather scraps from a national hobby store - usually comes in a bag for about $10 and there is plenty enough to make a stripping block. I’ve glued a piece on each side of a planed hardwood block, one side smooth & the other rough. Works perfectly for stropping chisels, carving knives and pocket knives. Thanks for sharing!

[@eminemiem420]

That’s a really good idea, thanks!

[@Caio0365]

I'm happy youtube's recommendations led me to this. It's the info I needed. Thanks for the video!

[@rpandocchi]

This is the best explanation of what a leather strop actually is, and what it is capable of doing for your sharpening results! I’ve seen dozens of other KZbin videos trying explaining the basics on how to sharpen. I seemed to never get the same sharp edge results that these other channels claimed by using the same sharpening techniques. Until I accidentally found this video on KZbin, and seen how using a leather strop could possibly change my sharpening results drastically!! I realized that this was the step I was missing in sharpening my own woodworking tools to obtain that so called “scary sharp edge”! My very first day of receiving my leather strop and green compound I was able to shave the hair on my arm with ease!! My only regret is that I wish I would’ve found this video sooner instead of waisting all that time and money trying all these different wet stones, diamond stones, and even a sharpening jigs. I am just very grateful for Stumpy Nubs and finding this KZbin video!! And no he didn’t pay me to say that I am just a huge fan and a very thankful DIY Woodworker. So thanks again Stumpy Numbs for taking the time to share your expertise, and for making this excellent video!!

[@DieselRamcharger]

yeah. but is wrong. leather strop has been used for centuries to maintain a sharp edge. it IS NOT a sharpening device. it is a hone. impregnating your stop with grease and diamonds just turns into sandpaper. stumpy nubs knows a litle less than he claims.

[@jerrystark6766]

A nice and practically useful summary of the whys and hows of stropping. Well done!

[@carysilver4972]

After years of watching wood KZbin videos, I must say your channel regarding the knowledge about any product, is always the best, and the most useful. Thank you for all you share with us. An excellent video.

[@joelegrand5903]

Got three books on sharping. I have been sharping edged tool for 40 years & you video is the simplest I have seen & the easiest, low cost to use. thank you

[@bigdragon261]

As always, no fuss and straight to the point. I really likebyour videos as they are a good source of information. I'm very new to woodworking and trying my best to make it my new hobby. Thank you again and keep upthe good work. JL

[@philiplord2253]

Clear teaching format....could listen for hours!!!

[@QuestofCygnet]

I’m new to all this. What a great start you’ve given me. Thanks

[@davidrusso4750]

I took your advice in regards the Trend diamond stone. EGAD!! That thing is wonderful. Cuts quickly, finely and does an excellent job. I bought my strop from the same outfit and use the enclosed green and white paste - but only on the rough side of the strop. You provide the best, most incisive and most worthwhile advice on the internet. THANK YOU.

[@kraykepler6983]

Hey David, wondering what grit/s you ended up with.

[@mitch3384]

This was incredibly helpful for me as a knife sharpener, thanks Stumpy.

[@joshuaburlison30]

I'm 36 and have been sharpening since I was 12. Always knew it worked but didn't know how. Thanks I will be subscribed now. I look forward to learning.

[@neilfradenburgh]

Nicely done! Clear explanations. I’ve been studying and practicing sharpening techniques for decades; many many opinions and facts to wade through. You did not present anything that I have not found to have solid basis and THAT is truly unusual. Thank you for sharing.

[@mandyleeson1]

Great advice and really de-mystifying the whole process. Thank you.

[@pmchamlee]

Absolutely SPOT ON description! Thanks, mate! 🤠

[@harrypehkonen]

Thanks for the video! I have an old belt that I have been cutting up for leather for small projects, but now I want to try to use what's left as a strop.

[@johngray9626]

Hi Stumpy I have been watching your videos for years. This was a very in lighting one. I do think a lot of people are to obsessed with sharpening. Spending more time sharpening then working.. Thanks John

[@BLASTIC0]

I’m not a woodworker, but for some reason, I enjoy your videos.

[@matthewshannon6946]

Great info!! Thanks. 22yrs as a Cabinetmaker...still learning!!😆 Thanks for a great video!

[@jasonequest1970]

I'm extremely happy that I came across your video. First...... you are extremely informative, concise and your video(s) are very well done. Second..... I followed your suggestions, directions and I can't believe how amazing my knife edges came out..! I have been a life-long knife collector and I have some knives that are extremely collectable and expensive. I like to use my knives, but I didn't want to lose that "Perfect" sharpness that was done by factories and/or knife makers. Now I have the confidence to sharpen these knives, by following your gracious tutoring. Also, some of the edges that I've done, by using these methods, I believe are a step-up from the edges that these knives came with. I give you credit for this, due to the knowledge, practices and suggestions, that you kindly provide to you viewers. Much appreciated, sir. Thank you and please keep your videos coming.

[@johnmact5548]

I am new to stropping and found your information very useful. Thanks John

[@peteturner1944]

Good info! I've carved for over 40 yrs & even I learned something.

[@lexboegen]

For years I was on a fool's errand--trying to find the "perfect" sharpening system. I have spent thousands of dollars over the years on every kind of stone and jig imaginable--diamond, ceramic, waterstones, Arkansas stones, jigs, and of course, "scary sharp" with sandpaper. What I learned was that they all work well. Just pick one. I did the same with strops too--tried half a dozen different compounds, and even rubbing a metal polish (Flitz) into the leather. My favorite (and the only one I use today) is a green chromium oxide compound on the grain side of leather (the smooth side) which is glued to a piece of Baltic Birch plywood scrap that was the right size. Today I still flip around between diamond and waterstones for sharpening, but I always finish with stropping with green compound. If you buy an inexpensive USB microscope you can see for yourself what is happening to the edge with each process. It's useful for a quick check to see if you're ready to move up a grit when sharpening--no more guesswork.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

I wish I could have found this video weeks/months ago when I was learning how to sharpen my outdoor tools...I did end up getting there, but this was the most informative and organized video I've seen on this subject. Thank you.

[@pablocruzgilmour]

Great information and beautifully presented. I also use a 1000 grit diamond stone and strop. I only use the rough side of the leather with no compound and it gets me an edge sharp enough to shave my arm hair or dig into the back of nail in seconds. It could be sharper I know but it's sharp enough for my work building wooden boats with daily hard use and a maintained edge can keep me from using the stone for a week. I learned a lot, much appreciated Stumpy Nubs!

[@davidnleeh4]

Thank you Mr. Hamilton, this was very informative as I am about to begin sharpening my (Deceased Father-in-laws) old chisels & a couple of planning blades. This information will help a lot!

[@jamespeelecarey]

Another excellent video well researched and presented without all the noise that so many of them contain. Thank you.

[@hogthrob]

Great video. As soon as the edge starts to dull, a few quick strokes on the strop brings it right back. Like you, I find that 1000 grit diamond plate then strop is pretty much all I need. I use Autosol metal polish, It does a great job, and a tube lasts forever,

[@Colorado-Tinkering]

Thank you for making the seemingly complicated so much easier to understand. I’ve got it now.

[@aaronbate282]

Going from staff carving to chip and relief carving, I had no idea how to use a strop. Thank you for this tutorial!

[@Growlerinthebush]

I watch a lot of instructional videos and so far this was the best, informative without all the drawn out waffle.

[@Jason-vn5xj]

Another gem! I learned to strop my hatchet a while back and that thing cuts like a lightsaber now. A good stropping makes a world of difference. Thank you for the excellent tips for the shop.

[@BradsWorkbench]

Thank you for the info on the approximate grits per compound

[@waltercoffman7724]

You always gives me something new or think about and having spent my life working with metal and now at 83 getting into word working I have another set of skills to learn thank for the videos you put out.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Enjoyed this sharpening technique, works great. Thanks for sharing with us. Keep up the good work and videos.

[@johne7100]

I use 400 diamond --> 1000 diamond --> rough strop glued (well, DST'd) to wood & loaded with Veritas green compound. After a month or two of use the strop is no longer very rough & the edge improves, but for a quick strop & back to work it's pretty good from day one. BTW, toothpaste is also a very fine abrasive...

[@xFalconFixer]

I appreciate the information that you provide. Your delivery and personality are refreshing. To include, you covered one stroop question. To use the rough and smooth sides of the leather. THANK YOU! (Go Red Wings)

[@CharlieM1219]

Both of my Granddad's shaved with a straight razor and stropped their blades. I'm 72 now and clearly remember the sound of the blade slidding up and down the leather. One used baby oil and claimed to have gotten it from HIS Grandfather!

[@leehaelters6182]

Charlie M, not so sure that I’d own up to using a product made from babies.

[@roy.mclean]

My grandfather always used a straight razor until he was drafted in WWII. The Army made him start using a safety razor.

[@jakjak5613]

You have a way of getting down to the fine points (pun not intended) that I like to understand. First time I have heard about bending and replacing the steel edge. Well done, sir.

[@ronaldainaire7086]

Thank you for sharing! This clears up a lot of information for me.

[@peterjohnston8507]

One of the cleanest, most helpful explanation that I have heard. Interesting, and with some new ideas for me.

[@elderhiker7787]

You did an incredible job explaining the use and benefits of a leather strop. You also cleared up some misconceptions th

[@paisaconstructiondavid1964]

I think that you covered all the important points. Great job

[@richardcampbell4506]

Great video! Clear concise and highly informative. Thanks👍

[@empty1705]

Very clear and useful explanations !! Thanks dude !!

[@gabrielhill1725]

Excellent presentation! Thank you for the time and effort you clearly put into producing this video. I will direct others to your work.

[@philt8322]

Hi James, as a beginner to wood carving I find your tutorials very useful Regards, Phil

[@everybot-it]

EXCELLENT presentation! Thank you!

[@tnChampagne]

Just the information I was looking for. Thanks very much!

[@treforparry4054]

I am a big fan of your channel, and your clear, concise explanations. Great video. Many thanks.

[@Orbnoticas]

All other videos are so confusing. Thank you, you did an incredible job answering all my questions as they came up. Amazing

[@tomweir8558]

I loved your explanation you always hit the mark when should I clean the leather of the strop

[@hermankrijnen6409]

Thank you Stumpy Nubs, this was a real eyeopener for properly sharpening handtools.

[@Steffen9a]

Great video. Thank you for the effort that went into it and sharing your knowledge

[@zavoina]

Another truly educational video. Thank you. Now go have a cold one, you’ve earned it my friend.

[@johnbrand2283]

Thanks for a very good explanation and simple method of maintenance for keeping a blade sharp.

[@jonsundell8061]

Great videos! I watched this and the one on diamond stones. I'm a complete beginner, and they were really helpful!

[@bradenkearney6131]

I am far from a woodworker. But, I am a knife enthusiast, and a wet shaver, using a nice Thiers Issard straight razor. The razor is what brought me to this video. Thank you, very much, for being so informative. I finally really understand why I need a strip, and how to use it. You probably have saved me countless nicks and cuts in the future.

[@pheroztengra2821]

I waited till I get the strop past , and to my surprise it worked amazing well. I started with honing a block plane and then my wood chisels, followed by and ultimately my carving gauges and I was very pleased with the results. I was using the green compound for honing and the past from trident is a hands down the perfect past.

[@choochoodebut3059]

Never knew about the smooth side of leather and the silicate properties. Great info

[@TheDicko86]

Great no nonsense video. This is how I keep things sharp now, one stone one piece of leather one green mystery stick. So many youtube vidoes on sharpening this is the best one I've seen. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video James! This is very helpful information.

[@lindafoxwood78]

Wow. Brilliant video. Helped me understand stone and strap. Thank you.