Thread: Chromium oxide bars

Originally Posted by gssixgun

+1 the Woodcraft stuff is not pure, there is a thread on the forum about what is really in it.... IIRC ChrisL tracked it all down...

You recall correctly , but I did, too.

Most of the 'bars' you can buy at most of the different wood shops are made by the Formax manufacturing company. They make the bars either to their own specs or to a customers specs. For example the Veritas green rouge sold by Lee Valley tools.... made by formax.

Here's a link to my previous post on the subject:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...-bars-not.html

The "chromium oxide bars" are actually only about 30 percent chromium oxide, the rest is aluminum oxide which isn't graded with the highest tolerances. My shaves with the 'bars' were lousy compared to the powdered chromium oxide. You can buy all the chromium oxide you need for about 13 bucks from HandAmerican.com, and it's good stuff.

Originally Posted by Ben325e

You recall correctly , but I did, too.

Most of the 'bars' you can buy at most of the different wood shops are made by the Formax manufacturing company. They make the bars either to their own specs or to a customers specs. For example the Veritas green rouge sold by Lee Valley tools.... made by formax.

Here's a link to my previous post on the subject:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...-bars-not.html

The "chromium oxide bars" are actually only about 30 percent chromium oxide, the rest is aluminum oxide which isn't graded with the highest tolerances. My shaves with the 'bars' were lousy compared to the powdered chromium oxide. You can buy all the chromium oxide you need for about 13 bucks from HandAmerican.com, and it's good stuff.

FWIW ...When I researched the Formax bar a number of years ago the info I received said that the AlOx was up to 6 microns in size.

After reading through the post about the crox bars larger particles I ordered the crox from Keith over at hand American. His service was stellar and he did me right when there was a delay in order. I would recommend the powder or premix - I have both now and both work equally nice

Originally Posted by randydance062449

FWIW ...When I researched the Formax bar a number of years ago the info I received said that the AlOx was up to 6 microns in size.

Yes, I have used it, and it definitely gives a finish that is consistant with that spec. It gives a smooth finish, but also contains larger scaratch patterns as well. Not the worst stuff in the world, but the pure ChroMo is much much more refined.