I know the absolute finest edges are blades are sharpened freehand. I've tried it before and just scratched the S#!+ out of my expensive blades. Plus I don't have the time to invest in freehand-sharpening lifestyle.
So I switched to the Edge Pro system and have about mastered it (all be it 99 stones and do-hickies later) including strops. I'm very happy with the results but I don't want to drag out the kit every time I want to freshen up the blade.
Anyway, Could you give me suggestions (Dave M., Eamon, Jon in particular) on a table strop that I can use (thinking unloaded?) that I can pull out quickly to touch up the blade prior to cutting. This way I can't scratch the blade up too much. I have a HA fine ceramic rod but it takes too much metal off and makes my edges too aggressive. I like then nice gentle finish that stropping leaves. Leather? Balsa? Felt? Cardboard?
So I switched to the Edge Pro system and have about mastered it (all be it 99 stones and do-hickies later) including strops. I'm very happy with the results but I don't want to drag out the kit every time I want to freshen up the blade.
Anyway, Could you give me suggestions (Dave M., Eamon, Jon in particular) on a table strop that I can use (thinking unloaded?) that I can pull out quickly to touch up the blade prior to cutting. This way I can't scratch the blade up too much. I have a HA fine ceramic rod but it takes too much metal off and makes my edges too aggressive. I like then nice gentle finish that stropping leaves. Leather? Balsa? Felt? Cardboard?