A kangaroo paddle strop is a leather sharpening tool used primarily for honing straight razors, knives, and other fine cutting instruments. It consists of a flat paddle with a strip of high-quality kangaroo leather attached to it.
Kangaroo leather is popular for strops because of its smooth texture, fine grain, and durability, making it ideal for maintaining a keen edge on blades. Paddle strops can come with different leather finishes or be treated with honing compounds to enhance their sharpening properties. The rigid paddle provides a stable base, allowing for controlled and consistent stropping.
Use of Kangaroo Paddle Strop
A kangaroo paddle strop is used for honing and maintaining the sharpness of blades, such as straight razors, knives, or chisels. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Preparation:
- Ensure the strop is clean and free from debris. If using a honing compound, apply a small amount to the leather surface.
- If the strop has two sides (one with compound and one without), start with the side that has the compound.
- Angle Control:
- Hold the blade at the proper angle (usually around 15-30 degrees for knives, or flat against the strop for straight razors). The key is to maintain a consistent angle throughout the process.
- Stropping Technique:
- Place the blade on the strop with the edge trailing (not leading). For a knife, this means moving the blade spine-first along the strop.
- Gently draw the blade across the strop, moving it away from the cutting edge. Use a light, controlled pressure to avoid damaging the leather.
- Flip the blade over and repeat the stropping motion on the other side. Continue alternating sides for an even polish.
- Finishing:
- Once you have completed the stropping with the compound, switch to the untreated side (if applicable) for a final polish. This step refines the edge and removes any remaining burrs.
- Maintenance:
- Regularly clean the strop and reapply compound when needed. Kangaroo leather is durable but can benefit from occasional conditioning to maintain its quality.
Using a kangaroo paddle strop regularly helps to keep blades sharp, reducing the need for more aggressive sharpening methods.