Stropping question (sorry..)

[pialia]

I feel stupid to have to make a new thread, but I'm pretty new to the forum and I'm just getting lost in the maze of stropping threads.

So, my question - I'm mainly going to be using a Sharpmaker for my sharpening needs, but I'd like to compliment it with a strop (most practical seems to be a double sided paddle.) What type(s) of leather are good for this purpose and is it smooth side up or down, or both for different purposes(?) And what two stropping compounds would best suit my needs? I have a friend who frequently works with leather(saddles, pouches, stuff like that) who might be able to supply me with the right leather.

Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate some guidance!

Also, I'd appreciate if anyone living in europe has a good source of stropping compound as it seems kind of dumb to pay a lot in shipping getting it from the states.

Thanks
Pia

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Veg-tanned leather (vegetable or bark-tanned, in other words) is best, aside from horsehide or other 'exotic' (expensive) leathers. The tanning process for it leaves most or all of the natural silicates intact, which is how leather can 'polish' a steel blade. Most use this leather on the smooth side, but if the texture is uniform on the 'rough' side, that can also be used to advantage. I'd encourage you to try both.

For compound, Simichrome polishing paste is an easy solution. It's made in Germany, so I'd think you should be able to find a source in Europe.

 

[stitchawl]

Also, I'd appreciate if anyone living in europe has a good source of stropping compound as it seems kind of dumb to pay a lot in shipping getting it from the states.
Thanks
Pia

Stropping compound is virtually the same thing as 'buffing compound.' It's the stuff you will find in every hardware store, home center, DIY shop, and in many hobby shops in every country all around the world. It's NOT something exclusive to the US. Unfortunately, the stuff sold in the home centers tends to be aimed at the power buffer folks, and so is sold in large 1lb or 2lb bars. On the other hand, even those large bars are pretty cheap, just a few dollars/euros, so if you buy a big bar and cut of about 2" off the end of it, that will give you enough stropping compound to last you a lifetime. Or longer, if you use it correctly.

Look for the green bar or the white bar. The white cuts faster as it's more coarse. The green bar is Chromium Oxide and is what you should be doing most of your stropping with, after you've finished with your stones, and before you move to stropping on bare leather.

Now, do a search here in the forums and read all about how to use compounds correctly. There are dozens of threads about it. Look for information from people who have more than 1,000 posts... Chances are that information will be more accurate.


Stitchawl