Compound for stropping

[SpookyPistolero]

Hi folks-

I've got a couple of strops that I've used for a while, but I've never broken down and bought any stropping compound. Being a frugal cheapskate, I was hoping you guys could tell me whether something like the following would work OK?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=208835-353-421-03&lpage=none

It's just an example, but I'd rather pick up something at a local store for a few bucks, than 'the real deal' for five times plus shipping.

Thanks-

 

[TThom]

Sounds and looks like it would work. I believe 421 compound is the correct type but wait for verification

 

[tradja]

I have sucessfully stropped with campfire ash rubbed into a flattened log. Also, I have had encouraging results from experimenting with newspaper on glass. IME, just about any fine abrasive substance on a flat surface is suitable for use as stropping compound.

If you do pick up the stuff at Lowes, be sure to write it up (with pics!) and post your experiences here.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Picked some of this up today, seems to work just fine. It's an improvement over plain leather and makes some more polished edges for sure. It's that same 'crayon' consistency, that needs to be heated up a little bit before application. I'll post some more if I find out anything specific.

 

[stitchawl]

Hi folks-

I've got a couple of strops that I've used for a while, but I've never broken down and bought any stropping compound. Being a frugal cheapskate, I was hoping you guys could tell me whether something like the following would work OK?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=208835-353-421-03&lpage=none

It's just an example, but I'd rather pick up something at a local store for a few bucks, than 'the real deal' for five times plus shipping.

Thanks-

Do you have a local hobby shop or Sears near you? If so, you can find small packages of stropping compounds in them. Usually under $8, they will have four bars of different grits, each bar slightly smaller than a 'Snickers' chocolate bar. This is enough compound to last someone using them for hand stropping for the rest of their life! No need to purchase the big 1lb or 2lb bars. Those are for powered buffers. If you want something to work correctly, use the correct stuff. The price difference isn't that large.

Stitchawl

 

[cj65]

If you want something to work correctly, use the correct stuff.

Stitchawl

You are such a renaissance man

 

[Trigcure]

Personally i use the Flexcut sharpening stuff ( http://www.flexcut.com/products/cart.php?target=product&product_id=975&category_id=95 )
came with some carving knives, however its in a very convinient hard-crayon-like stick, and you do need a piece of leather to use it, i have a scrap glued to a flat piece of wood, it works wonderfully for honeing. good luck!