I've had a few people ask me about these.

Here is what I have/use.

An old 4-sided strop made in Michigan, and 2 strop blocks that I made myself:







Various stones. I dig the old ones:



Any body else??

Edge Pro Apex III kit, Spyderco Sharpmaker, Gatco system, and some real old water stones that dad has had for years. The stones are cupped pretty badly and I need to recondition and clean them.

I would like to have a Washita stone. Maybe one of the old ones Buck put out.

I almost bought some of the newer/fancier sharpening stones/systems, but figured out that what i have will work if you know how to do it.

That little yellow Schrade sharpener is diamond impregnated. I paid $15 for it and have gotten a lot of use out of it recently. I mostly use the Arkansas stones, but some others also.

I don't know, maybe I will buy a diamond sharpener some time. Just not so sure I need one.

Here is another really nice little stone that I recently gave away to a member who was nice enough to give me some straight razors and shaving stuff. (Thanks again John)





It is v-shaped on one side for the old safety razors and flat on the other,......

Here's an old strop I got from a family member a while back:

I've tried several.
Edge Pro's probably the best but expensive.
WartHog's good but scratches the blade if ya don't tape it up.
I bought a set of paper wheels recently that are fantastic once I got the angle figured out. (Kinda tricky with a round cutting surface).
The paper wheels are a real value and fast as all get out, but for my old favorites I still go back to my old Arky stones.

One caveat. No body's mentioned the difference in flat ground and convex ground blades.
I dang near ruined a nice little S&M Muskrat before I learned myself how to sharpen a convex blade. Once I did, I actually prefer that grind. Pretty sure the old leather razor strops were designed for em.
I use a soft mouse pad (one of the old ones), start with 600 grit sandpaper and work my up to 2000.
There's a great video on the knivesshipfree website for those that haven't dealt with convex blades. (like me)

One thing's certain though. No matter which tool or method you use, untill you get the angle right, you're just rubbing.

I took a couple pix of my "gadgets" but PhotoBucket's giving me grief.
I'll try and post em tomorrow.

Got an antique 4 sided stop stick and an newer 1 sided version.

I use a Lansky Diamond kit for my yearly sharpening or getting edges set. I use their cheap hand sharpener in between for quick touch ups. It's about time to break the Lansky out again to prep for fall .

How about one of these?



Or a "00 Frictionite" razor hone in the original carrying case?

Cool. How old is that Buck Jeff?

I have been meaning to make a strop stick, but never get around to it. Think I have enough strops now.

I used to strop blades on the sheath of my Woodsman's Pal........

Ken, it's around 30 years old.
I had a Buck Washita stone in the plastic box too, but I can't find it.

I would like one of those Buck Washita stones.....

Ken, I was mistaken. Mine is a Case.
I found it today.