Q:

I read the article by Dan Faia about sharpening carving tools (Master Class: “Beautiful Carving Starts with a Keen Edge,” FWW #209), but he wasn’t clear on how to charge the strop with honing compound.

David Walker, Constantia, NY

A:

The honing compound I use on my strop is Herb’s Yellowstone stropping compound ($9.50, craftsmanstudio.com). Apply it to the rough, suede side of your strop by flaking it off of the stick with the side edge of a chisel. Then work it into the strop with the chisel’s flat back. After that, you’re ready to hone your tools on the strop. One note: Unlike with other stropping compounds, oil should not be used with Herb’s Yellowstone.

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