Unlocking the Secret: Can You Sharpen Knives with Leather?

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the middle of cooking because your knife is not cutting the way it should? Well, you are not alone—we have all been there. But did you know you can sharpen your knife with leather? If you are new to this concept, you might find it weird, but leather can actually hone your knife and maintain its edge to provide optimal cutting performance.

Surprisingly, leather is not only a makeshift tool- many professional chefs and kitchen experts use leather to hone their blades. You must be wondering how leather could put a sharp edge on your blade and how you can do the task yourself at home.

Related: Best Knife Sharpeners In Australia

In this article, I will elaborate on how can you sharpen knives with leather, what kind of leather is perfect for stropping, and much more. So let’s delve right into the details.

Can you Sharpen Knives with Leather?

Yes, you can sharpen a knife with leather. Leather strops are commonly used for honing and polishing the edge of a blade, as they help remove any remaining burrs or imperfections, resulting in a razor-sharp edge.

Precisely put, leather does not actually sharpen but hones a knife to maintain the edge. Hence, rather than the actual sharpening, it is used as a last step in the sharpening process. So, technically you should already sharpen your knife before you use leather to hone it.

Additionally, when you use leather to hone a knife, it is called a strop- hence the process is fittingly named stropping. 

How to Make a Leather Strop Easy Way

A leather strop is a simple tool that can help you hone and sharpen your knives, making them razor-sharp and ready to tackle any task. Here’s how to make your own DIY leather strop in just a few easy steps!

Here are the materials needed to make the leather strop

• Leather 
• Wood or sturdy material for the handle
• Glue or screws
• Honing compound

Steps:

1. Cut the leather 

Cut the leather into the desired shape with a sharp scissor. A good size to aim for is about 2-3 inches wide and 8-12 inches long. Moreover, make sure the leather is thick enough to hold up against the blade of your knife.

2. Prepare the Strop handle

Next, you will need a piece of wood or any other sturdy material to serve as the handle of the strop. Keep it slightly longer than the length of your leather. You can use glue or screws to attach the leather to the handle.

3. Attach leather to handle

Apply glue to the back of the leather or use screws to attach it to the handle. Make sure it is securely attached so that it doesn’t come loose during use.

4. Apply honing compound 

Finally, apply some honing compound to the leather. It will help remove any burrs or imperfections on the blade of your knife and make it super sharp. You can find honing compound at most hardware or knife stores. Apply a small amount of honing compound to the surface of the leather. Rub it in with your fingers or a cloth to distribute it evenly.

What kind of leather is used to sharpen knives?

Stropping works best when you use a legitimate type of leather for the job. Below I have highlighted four kinds of leather, the most efficient for a strop. 

Cowhide Leather

Cowhide leather is a popular and affordable choice for knife strops. Moreover, it is a durable material that can withstand frequent use, making it a reliable option for honing and polishing knives. Plus, it is readily available at most leather stores.

Buffalo Leather

Buffalo leather is another excellent choice for knife strops. It is thicker and denser than cowhide leather, making it a little hard to use but providing a sturdier surface for honing your blades. It is best for those who need a strop that can take some heavy use.

Russian Leather

Russian or Cordovan leather is a premium pick for strops. It is made from horsehide and is known for its smooth surface and long-lasting durability. Although it may be a bit pricier than other options, it is worth the investment if you are looking for a high-quality strop that will last for years.

Kangaroo Leather

Kangaroo leather is a unique choice for knife strops. It is known for its high tensile strength, which means it can withstand excessive pressure without tearing. Plus, it is a thinner and more flexible material, making it easier to work with and great for honing and polishing your knives.

How Does Leather Sharpen a Knife: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide on how to make your blades razor-sharp.

• Apply Buffing Compound 

First thing first, load the strop with the buffing compound. It is an abrasive paste which helps refine the edge of your blade. Now, apply a small amount of compound to the surface of your leather strop and rub it in evenly. 

• Hold the Knife at a Proper Angle

Hold your knife at the same angle as the bevel and aim for a 15-20 degree angle. It allows you to maintain the existing slant of your blade while honing.

• Apply Gentle Pressure 

Using light pressure is essential to honing your knife precisely. Avoid pressing too hard on the blade, as it may cause damage to both the blade and the strop.

• Pull Away From The Sharp Edge 

Always pull the blade away from the sharp edge while honing. It helps to maintain the sharpness of your knife, and prevent damage to the edge.

• Strop the Entire Length in One Stroke

Hone your knife by stropping the entire length of the edge in a single stroke. It will help to establish a precise edge throughout the blade.

• Keep Count of Strokes

Keep track of the number of strokes on each side. Try to aim for 10-20 strokes per side, depending on the dullness of the edge.

• Repeat on the Other Side

Now flip your knife over and hone the other side. Remember to keep your angle and pressure consistent throughout the process. 

• Check The Edge

Never forget to test the sharpness. Check the blade by running your finger along the edge(without applying too much pressure). If it feels jagged, repeat the process until you achieve the desired sharpness.

Benefits of Sharpening Knives with Leather

From enhanced performance to extended knife lifespan—sharpening knives with leather has several benefits. For starters, it is an incredibly effective way to maintain a sharp edge without damaging the blade. 

Here are some advantages of sharpening or honing your knives with leather.  

• Gentle on Your Blade: Leather is a flexible and forgiving material that contours your knife’s edge, ensuring it is honed evenly from base to tip. Moreover, Leather strops are gentle on your blades. They prevent unnecessary wear and tear while keeping the knife in tip-top shape.
• Creates a Razor-Sharp Edge: Stropping with leather can help to create a razor-sharp edge that will slit through almost anything with ease.
• Removes Microscopic Burrs: Leather stropping can help remove microscopic burrs left on the blade from sharpening, which can cause the knife to feel dull or jagged.
• Perfect for Honing: Leather is a flexible and forgiving material that can contour to your edge, making it suitable for honing.
• Cost-Effective: Stropping is an affordable way to maintain your knives and prolong their lifespan.
• Easy to Use: Leather stropping is a painless process, which requires only a few easy-to-follow steps to get your knife sharp and ready for action.

How To Sharpen a Knife With a Leather Belt

The process is straightforward. Start off by honing the edge with a whetstone or a pull-through sharpener. Next, you need to apply some buffing compound to the leather belt, and use the smooth side to hone the knife. Finally, do it over on the other side of the blade until you are satisfied with the results.

Using a leather belt to sharpen a knife is a creative DIY, but not necessarily the best option for everyone. Below I have mentioned some pros and cons that you must consider before sharpening with a leather belt.

Pros

• Accessibility: If you don’t have a proper leather strop, you may use your old leather belt as a quick and easy alternative. 
• Flexibility: Unlike a stationary strop, you can use a leather belt on the go and can carry it along on an outdoor trip.
• Portable: If you’re in a remote location, using a leather belt as a strop would be more convenient than the actual strop.

Cons

• Inconsistency: Since leather belts are not designated tools for sharpening or honing, you may not achieve the quality results you would get using a leather strop.
• Damage: The stropping with a belt may gradually damage the belt, as it leaves marks on the leather. Therefore it is recommended to use an old belt.
• Safety Concerns: Honing on a leather belt can be risky as there is a risk of slipping, which may cause injury.