First time strop user question

A

abecrizer

Joined
Nov 26, 2009
Messages
2
I finally got around to making myself a strop,
and I have a question about what kind of compound is best to use on it.

I looked around in my area and no one had "strop compound" but a hardware
store recommended buffing compound so I bought some.

Will this work? and if so which of the 4 different kinds of compounds
should I use:

E5 - Emery
TC6 - Tripoli
SCR - Stainless
JR1 - Jewelers Rouge

If I need to get the official "strop compound" that is cool, but
wondering if those will work.

Also I have two objectives, to make knives sharper and to re-sharpen slightly dulled knives. Are the compound choices different for the different objectives? I the strop is to be two sided so which
two are best and do I need separate strops for compounds specific to my two
different goals.

Thanks for any responses. :)
 
I use automotive compound on my leather strop because im too lazy to go look for any in a store. It is marked as being 3000 grit. I use just a little dab and work with it until i feel it can use a little bit more. i do this after a 1200 grit final hone on my lansky It gets my edges mirror polished and as sharp as ill ever need
 
That stainless compound should work . What color is it ? But I'd stick with the green .
Its not as fast as diamond but not far away and a lot more economical . A small brick can be purchased for 10-15$ and will last twenty + years . DM
 
So I understood from the responses that it is not really necessary or helpful
to use multiple strops with different compounds.
Is this right?

I will look for the green or diamond, and use whichever I find first.
 
I use the white and the red on different strops. I sharpen and then use the white followed by the red.

I get my compound in sticks from Sears. I apply it like a crayon.

If you peruse this forum you will see a few threads about compounds for stropping. There are tons of different compounds, sticks, pastes, liquid, powders... that folks use on their strops.

The white and red work for me and the price and availability is right in my wheelhouse.
 
Hard H2O said:
I get my compound in sticks from Sears. I apply it like a crayon.
Click to expand...

The Sears stuff, did it come with a cardboard back and plastic clear window (kinda clamshell package)? I bought some green compound from Sears and it feels kinda waxy, but not super much so.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is: is it the right stuff?
 
amroc said:
The Sears stuff, did it come with a cardboard back and plastic clear window (kinda clamshell package)? I bought some green compound from Sears and it feels kinda waxy, but not super much so.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is: is it the right stuff?
Click to expand...

Yep, blister pack. That is the stuff. I tried the blue but from what I have seen the white and red work best for me.
 
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