razor sharp for CHEAP

[rustycrusty]

A strop for cheap- ANY old leather belt- take it and sand the leather with some rough sandpaper- it should look like rough leather used in desert boots. I get knives to pass the 'hanging hair test' (YouTube it) frequently using this method.

People will tell you that you need specialized leather- BULLSHIT

Horsehide is high end because it is near frictionless in feel.
All other leathers are merely suited to people's preference- ppl who want more feedback opt for a rougher leather. In the end it is all angle and pressure that determines the end sharpness

To prove this I can hone a dull knife on newspaper or the back of a legal pad if you like


(BTW hanging hair test is a high standard in straight razor community)

-added tidbit edit- I strop on naked leather for finishing- as in 0 compound present.
To cut the steel faster you can add soot to the strop (poor mans 1micron grinding compound)