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Review of Wood Block Strop/Hone using Progressive Sandpaper for Bevel setting
Most would probably agree that proper Bevel setting is the key to getting a great shaving edge. I have learned the hard way that if the bevel isn't set properly you'll never get a proper shaving edge. About a year ago I bought this DLT Ultimate Block Strop/Hone for $29.95 DLT Ultimate Block Strop/Hone when I saw a video of a knife guy using it to sharpen knives. He was using different compounds, (black, green, white) on the leather sides but I thought it might work for setting the bevel on a straight razor using progressive sandpaper grits. Well, I have been using it for about 6 months now and it does a magnificent job on setting bevels. I no longer use my Norton 1K or india oil stones or DMTs. I just cut 2 inch sandpaper strips of wet/dry sandpaper of 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit. Depending on what the edge looks like using a 60X magnifying scope/light, I will normally start with the 500 grit to take out chips, corrosion, etc. It only takes takes several minutes (4-5min) to get the edge completely smooth. Then I move to the 1000, then to the 1500, then finally the 2000 grit. By the time that I get the the 2000 grit the beveled set edge is really starting to polish up nicely. The bevel setting time is 20-30 minutes for a rough old Sheffield, less time for a blade in better shape. I then move on to my Belgian coticules and finally an Escher. Top it off with .5 micron chromium oxide on a balsa paddle then just strop it with a hanging latigo strop. HHT is no problem after using this process.
The block measures 8" x 2" and 3 of the 4 sides are covered in leather. Small wing nuts on both ends secure the sandpaper strips between the small block to the larger block. Not sure of the type of wood. You may have to occasionally readjust the wing nuts on each end to keep the sandpaper flat and in place. That is the only problem that I can report. Recommend using it on a rubber map to help keep it in place. I may add some rubber feet as well. It is a very simple block device and could be made very easily by a semi skilled woodworker. In smmary, I think it works great and makes it easier to put a proper bevel on a blade quickly. I do not plan on ever using a stone again to set a bevel.