Keep Tools Sharp Without Sharpening (New Video)

If you’ve ever sharpened a chisel or knife and found it didn’t quite hold its edge as long as you expected, there’s a good chance you’re missing one key step: stropping.

Stropping is one of those techniques that quietly makes everything better. It doesn’t take much time, costs next to nothing, and extends the life of your edge significantly. I use it constantly—for woodworking tools, knives, even the occasional carving gouge—and I don’t know why it’s not more commonly talked about outside of professional shops.

I just put together a video all about it: The Strop Secret: Keep Tools Razor-Sharp Without Sharpening!

In the video, I walk through what stropping does, how I use it, the difference it makes, and a few things I wish I’d known when I started. It’s not a replacement for sharpening—but it means you’ll have to sharpen far less often. And when you do, it’ll go faster.

Whether you’re just getting into woodworking or have been doing it for years, it’s a small habit that pays off quickly.

Also - if you want to make your own magnetic strop, here are the plans!