Stropping a must?

[K. Mogensen]

When sharpening, do you have to strop? Pardon the ignorance but what does it do other than make the edge look perdy?

 IF , I were to use a KME, would I need to strop?

Thanks!  :confused:

[elkbreath]

stropping doesn't just polish the bevel, making it look nice, but it also polishes the edge in the same manner, though you can't  see it.  That polishing is sharpening the head, taking all the minuscule imperfections out of the edge and smoothing them up.

[just_a_hunter]

Sharpening also creates a micro wire edge (or burs) on your cutting edge. Stropping also removes this wire edge...

Todd

[KSdan]

So- how do you strop??

[leatherneck]

Can't say it any better than it's already been said.
Depends on if your using a 2 blade or 3 blade.

[tippit]

I've found that in doing my knives, I can sharpen them & finish with a stropped edge that will cut you just lookin' at the edge.  BUT I've also found that removing the fine burr makes the blade go dull quicker.  I now just take my knives & broadheads to a medium/fine diamond stone edge.  It's also really quick to bring back an edge without much effort.  This is what skinnin' 15-20 bears a year has shown me.  I think Doug Campbell would agree, anyway JMHO...Doc