Wich buffing/honing compound??

[Rednek]

I have never stropped a knife until today,and liked the results.I was experimenting with a belt and some dremel polishing compound.I was so pleased that Im ordering a leather belt for my sander and would like to know what compound I should get.Im not willing to buy two or three different ones,but only one.So wich one/color would be best if you used only one?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Lots of possibilities but, most likely, either the green (chromium oxide) or diamond compounds are the favorites among the sharpening nuts around here. Brands with good reputation for quality are Hand American (for either one) and DMT (diamond). You can also get decent green compound from Woodcraft (stores or online). Obviously, the diamond compounds are more expensive. For starting out, I think most would agree the green stuff is quite good. And it's cheap, too (about $6 - $8 for a 6 oz. bar, which'll last almost forever).

 

[dsmegst]

Jacksonlea makes all sorts of compounds. I use their C-5 (white) compound (2 microns) and the already mentioned green compound (1/2 micron) in stages. Just avoid the cheaper poor quality compounds and you'll be fine.