How to make your own sharpening paste? What do I mix with the abrasive? Help.

eKretz said:
Eh, I think I'll pass on applying tallow to a strop. I tend to keep mine for a long time, and tallow may not go rancid in a year but it probably won't take much longer than that, and then it'd be time to toss the strop. I've never had a problem with the beeswax mixes. Lanolin lasts longer but still goes off as well.
Click to expand...

Thanks EKretz.
Question. What abrasive are you using? I ask because almost all compounds (that come in the oversized crayon form) are mixed with tallow and fat. Not everyone is aware of this but still true nonetheless. Are you mixing up powder with beeswax? If so, let us know what mix you use. My batch gets delivered next week. Thanks.
 
I've used bees wax and don't like what it does to the leather. My favorite so far is a dry strop with straight diamond powder but I think a little something would help hold it to the strop. I have been using lanolin on pin gages for many years now with out issue so since I have a tube sitting here that is what I am going to try. I got some 1 and .1 micron diamond powder a few months ago and have just been waiting to figure out what to mix it with.
 
I made my last batch with about 3 level tablespoons total of my own mix of CrOx mixed with a small amount of AlOx powder to a pound of microcrystalline wax and then tweaked the oil level a few times until I got it where I wanted it for the different sticks. Didn't keep proper track of the amount of oil though. I actually used Lexol as the oil on my last batch, it seems like it works pretty good and should be good for the leather. I've used a few different abrasives, experimenting with different ones.

I also don't like heavy application - I apply the stick then scrub it back off with paper towel so only a small amount stays behind. This seems to work very well for me.
 
eKretz said:
I made my last batch with about 3 level tablespoons total of my own mix of CrOx mixed with a small amount of AlOx powder to a pound of microcrystalline wax and then tweaked the oil level a few times until I got it where I wanted it for the different sticks. Didn't keep proper track of the amount of oil though. I actually used Lexol as the oil on my last batch, it seems like it works pretty good and should be good for the leather. I've used a few different abrasives, experimenting with different ones.

I also don't like heavy application - I apply the stick then scrub it back off with paper towel so only a small amount stays behind. This seems to work very well for me.
Click to expand...

This is great information and I will take a look at your ratios. Thanks you. if I come across any additional ideas I will add them here. I appreciate you taking the time to add info here. Look out for us next week and I should have some results. Thanks Doug
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top