Changing sharpening workflow - Help please! How often do you strop?
I am done with the mess of my (Norton) waterstones. I think I end up with pretty good results off of the 8000 stone but know that it can be much better. I recently had to restore my 1" chisel back to 25 deg. and that is what put me over the edge. One hour later and finger cramps exploding, I determined it is time for a change.
I intend to get a half-speed Rikon grinder, CBN 180 grit wheel, 300/1000 diamond plate for flattening and setting secondary bevel, a 6 or 8000 Shapton glass for occasional edge restoration and a 16000 Shapton glass for honing. I am not a follower of Rob Cosman, but my desire is to keep my process simple so that it will not be a hinderance to keeping edges in top shape.
Maintaining my edges has always a 'chore' and we all know what that leads to...bad edges. My question for the group is about stropping. I have read 3 years worth of posts here and know that there are lots of feelings and many techniques, surfaces/leathers, substrates and on and on. I think I will go with horse butt on MDF. One piece face up, one piece suede side up. Likely with compound on one side. Maybe. We'll see...
I don't know if stropping will improve the edge off of the 16000 stone much, but assume it can't hurt. My greater interest is in 'keeping' the edge in good shape as I work. For those that are active stroppers, am I correct that the main benefit is in keeping your edge keen for longer to avoid having to go back to the stones? If so, as you work paring, cleaning mortices, chopping??, etc. how often do you turn and take a few swipes at the strop? The intent is to touch up the edge before any/much deterioration happens at all, correct? Every 2-3 minutes? 10 minutes?
As for planing, irons clearly take less abuse than chisels. How often do you pop out your blade and touch it up?
I really appreciate the input. I'm getting more and more proficient in my hand tool work but my current program really limits the pleasure. I want to make sharpening as much of a part of the flow as possible rather than a chore. I have a surface right behind my bench that will be a full-time sharpening station. For me that will be key. BTW, I'm not a confident free-hand sharpener on the stones. I'll be using the new-ish LV parallel honing guide until I can master free hand. I'm done with my LV MkII honing guide.
Thanks again!