stropping question?

[moredneck]

can I use a everyday belt for stroping a knife?
Plus can I do it without using any compounds on the leather?

[2treks]

I am not a knife maker but I have sharpened lots of things and I love a good strop.
If all you have is a belt,give it a go.

Ron at KME says that regular corigated cardboard works as good as anything,  I have seen the results of his sharpening and I know it works well.
Good luck to you and Merry Christmas.
CTT

[srtben]

I use a piece of leather glued down to a board. I also put a bit of chrome polishing compound on it.
Just make sure you do not roll the edge across the leather or it will dull your knife in a hurry.

[moredneck]

thanks!

[bigbadjon]

I also use a compounded leather on a board. Do not use a hanging strop, like those for a straight razor, on your knife though.

[manitou1]

Ditto on the leather glued to the board.  I use a piece of 9 oz. leather glued to a short piece of 2x4. Better control.

[KHALVERSON]

Originally posted by srtben:
I use a piece of leather glued down to a board. I also put a bit of chrome polishing compound on it.
Just make sure you do not roll the edge across the leather or it will dull your knife in a hurry.

i use the cardboard and then do as ben does
when done correctly  wicked sharp

[hvyhitter]

40 yrs ago I used to watch my grandfather sharpening his butchering knives on a great big bench stone then strop with an old belt by standing on one end and pulling up tight and then stroping the blade. Those knives would pop hair off his arm when he was done, I still use the same method but with finer stones and strop the same way with great results.........a smooth super sharp durable edge........

[kansas stik man]

i normal belt will do wounders!  just use the inside of it.  and you can also use random straps of leather, cardboard, the top edge of a car window, and the bottom of a coffee cup.  all will produce a razor edge.