Strops and Chromium Oxide

[redsst]

Seems like just about everyone uses CrO. Where does everyone get theres from?

 

[TedGamble]

HandAmerican sells the best CrO (both in liquid which is 70% pure and in powder which is 100% pure). The other "bars" and "crayons" contain much less actual CrO because most of what you're getting is the bar or crayon base.

www.handamerican.com

 

[StretchNM]

I bought a small bar at their Albuquerque store. I think it was $7, but this big one is more expensive.
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=3112

Cheaper is here:
http://www.hawkinsknifemakingsupplies.com/4.shtml
Get the grade A-36

 

[sodak]

Seems like just about everyone uses CrO. Where does everyone get theres from?

I've never had good luck with CrO. But then, since I'm so contrary all the time, it makes sense that my sharpening would be too.....

Here's what I like. I use a linen strop, and rub this paste on it. The knife has to be sharp to start with, but this will take it to new levels.

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522944/564416.htm

 

[Ben Dover]

I've never had good luck with CrO. But then, since I'm so contrary all the time, it makes sense that my sharpening would be too.....

Here's what I like. I use a linen strop, and rub this paste on it. The knife has to be sharp to start with, but this will take it to new levels.

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522944/564416.htm

Hand America makes about the best CrO that I've seen.

But like sodak, I really like the Theirs Issard paste. I use it on leather belts, and it works quite well. It doesn't seem to give the really scary sharp edge that .5 micron or finer CBN or diamond gives, but it's been a terrific intermediate paste for me between the regular sanding belts, and the super fine diamond.

 

[StretchNM]

I can attest to whatever method Sodak uses. I understand it's a linen strop and I have some of his paste (thanks Sodak), but I haven;t seen the process that brings the edge to what may be the sharpest knife I've ever held. :thumbup:

 

[darklight]

HandAmerican all the way

 

[gud4u]

Some time ago, I bought one of the early HandAmerican strop systems with both smooth and rough surfaces.

For normal edge-polishing, the smooth side is absolutely the way to go. Using the rough side for edge-polishing will almost certainly result in edge-rounding to some degree due to flexing of the soft fibrous surface.

The rough and fibrous side of the strop I found very useful for finishing the sides of blades to a satin sheen. The fibers hold dry abrasive powders very well.The combination of long fibers and 600-grit abrasive powder produces a gorgeous satin finish.

Hope this helps!