Stropping compounds

[Zeasor]

I've read about using Chromium Oxide and using White and Red compounds from Sears. What are the particle sizes for each? Is there any significant benefit in using a progression of these? If so, in what order? I am particularly interested in using them for stropping a straight razor.

 

[JackBauer24]

I've read about using Chromium Oxide and using White and Red compounds from Sears. What are the particle sizes for each? Is there any significant benefit in using a progression of these? If so, in what order? I am particularly interested in using them for stropping a straight razor.

I shave with a straight razor daily. You don't even need a compound with a good razor. But I use the Jewelers rouge. I don't know any specifics about the particle sizes. I'm pretty sure a lot of people have too much time on their hands when they get that scientific about it. It works. who cares.

 

[coolcrow]

Chromium oxide usually has a particle size around .5 microns. I can't help you on the Sears compound though. I actually tried to buy some once, but my local Sears didn't carry it for some reason. I use the liquid from Hand American, and I like it a lot.

 

[Hard H2O]

Here is a site that includes a chart that compares the various colors of polishing compounds:

http://www.enkaypolishing.com/polishing_instructions.pdf

 

[Ben Dover]

I buy compounds from Handamerican and U.S. Products.

Just like going through stone grits, 220,320,500,1000 etc, I go through the compound grits on strops.

6 micron Silicon carbide
2.5 micron Silicon Carbide
1 micron CBN or diamond
.5 micron Chromium Oxide or diamond.

In my limited experience, CrO seems to work well on the lesser steels, and diamond on the better steels.

Ben