best stropeing compound

i need to know the best stroping compoung

I dont know that there is a best, different compounds accomplish different things. I use some chromium oxide (green compound) that I found at a local hardware store with. It works well and puts a high polish edge on my knives.
 
Stropping compounds can be :
1) a hard, waxy solid formed into a stick or bar.
2) a paste with the consistency of toothpaste
3) a dry and extremely fine (green) powder
4) fine abrasive powders suspended in fluids
 
I've used tin oxide, chromium oxide, and cerium oxide; they all work well. It is all stuff I have leftover from lapidary work. I personally think that diamond powder, (that I also use in lapidary), is too expensive for working something as soft as steel.

I'm using cerium oxide (.5 micron) right now with excellent results.
 
Back
Top