That doesn't mean to lock them in a drawer and don't use them. It means hone them frequently while you work, and avoid the drudgery of redeveloping the entire edge structure. We strongly recommend using our specially made leather strop paddle. This strop is carefully made and uses a specially processed leather that will give you years more tool life. If you cannot get one of our strop kits from your dealer, please contact us directly.

Knotts Knives are ground flat on the sides. There is no secondary bevel. Hold the knife FLAT on the strop as you work it. DO NOT raise the back edge of the knife!!! On the rough side of the leather you may occasionally add a few drops of light oil (honing oil, Neat's Foot, etc.) or a quick spray of WD-40. The special leather on our strops will not need much additional lubrication. Sprinkle some Aluminum Oxide powder on, and spread around with your finger or the back edge of your knife. (I drill a very small hole in the top of my cannister and use it as a shaker.) Holding the knife FLAT, drag the blade (firmly, but not hard) with the edge trailing 6-8 times on each side of the blade. Flip the strop over to the smooth side, add a bit of oil, if necessary (no powder), and strop 6-8 times. As your strop gets broken in, you will need to add powder less and less frequently. If the rough side seems "clogged" simply scrape it off with the back of your knife.

Following this procedure every 20-30 minutes as you carve will reward you with constantly, consistently sharp tools that fly through wood accurately. No other maintenance should be necessary unless a blade is nicked or damaged.

John and Cinda Walls, owners
Knotts Knives
Cousins