Thread: Fabric only stropping?

Originally Posted by Stubear

Leather does actually affect the edge in a process called burnishing, which you wouldnt get stropping only on fabric.

Fabric stropping is better than no stropping at all and would work as a short term solution for a week or so, but long term leather plus fabric is better IMO.

I haven't actually heard about that.
What is it exactly?

I have been experimenting with nylon stropping for over a year now with impressive results. Nylon (seatbelt type) strops produce much more heat than leather, and as a result burnish/polish the bevel with amazing results. Especially when used after abrasives, diamond, chrome ox & polishes. Nylon as a result requires much fewer strokes, 15-20.

I have found the finer the weave, the better the results. Results I have not been able to duplicate with just leather.

I still use a few 20-30 strokes on leather for the final finish, but nylon has become an integral part of a quick & wicked edge.

A side benefit is, it is almost impossible to nick, even intentionally stropping edge first. This alone would make it a great first strop for the novice.

Marty