How to Make a Strap for Sharpening Knives
Leather sharpening straps, or strops, have been used for centuries to hone and sharpen blades. Useful for razors, knives and other tools, a strop is a handy device to have around. If you work with knives and need to improve some dull blades, you may have considered purchasing a strop. However, you can easily create your own sharpening strap at home at little to no cost.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 x 4-inch board
- Honing leather
- Rubber cement
- Handsaw
- Sharpening compound
Instructions
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Cut a 2 x 4 board or similarly sized piece of wood to size. The size and overall shape of the sharpening strap is up to personal preference.
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2
Cut the leather so that it is the same size as the top surface of your wooden block. You can purchase leather made specifically for honing, or you can use a piece of scrap leather such as an old belt.
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3
Use rubber cement to secure the leather to the board. Make sure the leather is even and flat and that there is no bunching or bubbles under the surface. Let dry.
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4
Apply a coating of sharpening compound to the surface of your strop. This will help to ensure a smooth and even honing of your blade. Your sharpening strap is now ready for use.
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Tips & Warnings
You may wish to shape a portion of your wooden block into a handle for easier control when sharpening.
Be careful when sharpening your knives. A strop can produce a very sharp edge.
