Polishing knives is one of those activities that can significantly affect the quality and durability of your favourite kitchen or workshop tool. Although many users focus on sharpening, the process of finishing the blade on a leather strop is just as important. A leather strop is a tool that should be in the arsenal of anyone who cares about their knives. In this article we will take a closer look at how to use a strop correctly and the benefits of regular knife polishing.
The strop is a tool for polishing and smoothing blades, made from natural leather and mounted on a solid wooden base. Unlike traditional sharpening stones, the leather strop is not used to reshape the blade, but to smooth and polish its surface after sharpening. This makes the edge more precise, which in turn means the knife will last longer and be less susceptible to micro-damage.
How to use a leather strop?
Polishing knives on a leather strop is simple, but requires the right technique to achieve the best results:
- Preparing the strop: Before using the strop, it is advisable to apply a polishing paste to its surface. The leather strop for Bacher knives has two sides, so you can use different pastes with different grits. The green paste, which is often used, has very fine particles which are ideal for final polishing.
- Polishing the blade: To polish the blade, the blade is moved gently over the skin in the opposite direction to the cutting direction (i.e. from the blade to the back of the knife). It is important to maintain a constant angle, usually the same as when sharpening. You should run the knife over one side of the blade several times, then repeat the process on the other side of the blade.
- Polishing frequency: You can polish your knife on the strop after every sharpening, or even more often if you want to keep your knife in tip-top condition. Regular use of the strop means that you will need to sharpen your knife on the stone less often, which will prolong the life of your knife.
Advantages of polishing knives on a leather strop:
- Perfect sharpness: Polishing on a leather strop produces a blade that is not only sharp but also exceptionally smooth. This allows the knife to cut with greater precision and ease, regardless of the material.
- Extends the lifeof the blade: a leather strop removes microscopic imperfections and burrs from the blade that can cause the knife to dull more quickly. Regular use of the strop helps the blade stay sharp longer, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
- Better protection for the knife: Sharpening a knife on a stone can gradually wear away the material in the blade, reducing its size and thickness over time. Polishing on a leather strop is a gentle process that doesn't remove material, but rather smooths the existing blade while maintaining its integrity.
- Aesthetic appearance of the knife: A knife that has been regularly polished on a leather strop will have a beautiful mirror finish. This is particularly important for high quality knives that are often displayed in the kitchen or collected.
- Increased safety: A well polished knife is safer to use. A smooth and sharp blade requires less pressure to cut, reducing the risk of slipping and accidental cuts.
Conclusion
A leather polishing strop is an essential tool for anyone who cares about their knives. Regular stropping a knife on leather will not only keep your knives in great shape, it will also ensure that they last longer and look like new. It is an investment in quality that will quickly pay off in the form of better performance and durability from your favourite tools. So invest in a strop and enjoy the benefits of this simple but highly effective process.