Yet another strop question

[pinkfloyd101]

I was wondering if you need to use a compound to get a polished or mirror finish on the blade or if a dry strop works just as good? Also have been reading and it sounds like the diamond paste is the best, but what micron should i use after using the uf stones for the sharpmaker? 6.0, 1.0, .5? thanks

 

[Jason B.]

Using uncoated leather will work but may take days to get a mirror polish. The spyderco UF is 3 microns so your next step would be the 1 micron and if you want to go extreme 0.5 micron. I find 1 micron to be a very nice finishing point, going sharper really does very little for EDC cutting performance. Done right your going to need a 30x lens to see how many times you split the hair

CPM-M4 finished at 1 micron

 

[pinkfloyd101]

Thanks Knifenut1013, and i was wondering how to treat the leather also? I think i read somewhere, maybe from you, that wd-40 works good...Anything that is not too expensive....THANKS

 

[Jason B.]

Yep WD-40, spray a little on a rag and wipe the leather then let dry about 5 minutes. Makes it easier to apply the paste and works to clean it too.

 

[pinkfloyd101]

THANKS again, I guess i know who to ask if I have anymore rookie questions...