Push stick

Probably HDPE (it's what white plastic cutting boards are made of). Others use micarta, G-10, wood, etc.
 
I think wood is best. First of all it is cheap, if not free. It is also easy to shape quick when you are pushing against a bevel and want the angle of the push stick steeper.

You really don't need anything special.
 
HDPE or teflon is likely what the white stuff is. Some guys like a low friction material that lets you slide the blade left or right while pushing it into the belt. This is the way that Tim Hancock more/less does it, who I believe had a large influence on Travis.

Personally, I use anything from wood, to micarta, HDPE, and even steel, depending on what I'm doing. If I'm pushing something like thin steel through my bandsaw, for instance, I wan't something that's going to grip the steel, like the corner of a hard type of push stick. If I'm grinding similar to Tim Hancock, I like something that the blade will slip against, but still keep a moderate pressure.
 
I use a scrap of oak I've been using for at least two years now. Nothing fancy, looks like a burnt and hacked up handle scale at this point.
I only use it for profiling though, beveling I just use my fingers. I don't have any experience with Teflon or other low friction push sticks
 
If you are using a tool rest while grinding, a wine bottle cork works very well.

If you are not using a tool rest, a piece of notched hardwood works well.

Both are inexpensive, work well, and are easily replaced.
 
After I got free hand grinding down I realized it was easier and more consistent for me to grind the Tim Hancock, wheeler, weurtz way via tool rest. Just ordered some uhmv for a longer friction free tool rest and a 3/8 x 12in stick of teflon for like 20 bucks shipped from McMaster carr. I'll try and post pics later if you want
 
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