03-12-2018, 10:24 PM
I find I cannot agree with some of the notions in this thread. First the overall goal is a sharp edge. Somewhere the idea was put forth a burr was a necessary step in reaching that overall goal. This has grown into a burr becoming a goal in and of itself. I have sharpened without forming a burr, but it is faster to form one and take it off in many cases. Think of it like this. One can make toast by heating the bread just right, or by using a torch and then scraping off the charred outer layer. It may well be faster with the torch.
Also, burrs are not universally floppy or ductile. Carefully formed burrs are quite rigid and I've had them scrape the compound off loaded strops and scuff up the smooth side of plain leather. This is why you'll often find me protesting the idea that strops are universally useful for removing burrs.
Also, burrs are not universally floppy or ductile. Carefully formed burrs are quite rigid and I've had them scrape the compound off loaded strops and scuff up the smooth side of plain leather. This is why you'll often find me protesting the idea that strops are universally useful for removing burrs.