Thread: Shapton advise

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Cerium Oxide

You have to find the 99% pure or better the "Gold Bars" out there are not even close, often the really good stuff is called "Super Cerium"

It is often used in Glass polishing ie: optics supply

It is much like CrOx only much less abrasive, softer more polishing, less cutting

It will NOT help to sharpen the edge, unless the edge is all there. it does little to help it get there, it only helps with the felt smoothness

I have found some online, do you think i could use it on the felt or maybe the leather that has a nap, kinda like suede. Or does it have to be cotton?
I'm not even a year into straight razors but the thing ive found to sharpen my blades to the point of super sticky, is stropping. People told me,strop,strop,strop but i thought it just maintained an edge but now i realise it sharpens. 40 on cotton then 100 on the leather , gives me a massive improvment after honing..

I use Leather but I guess pretty much anything soft would work, I don't think Balsa would be a good idea but I haven't actually ever liked Balsa for anything myself...

Stropping is that last thing the edge touches before the face, it plays a much larger role then I think it is given credit for, but the edge still has to be honed well before the strop can be effective...

Originally Posted by JOB15

Thanks but i prefer new stuff
I never knew there was a classified section until now.

If you prefer new stuff, won't do you much good. Personally, I love buying quality used stuff at a discounted price. To each their own.

To each their own. I'll add myself to list of guys liking to own the new stuff. Something about knowing that no one else has had their hands on "your stuff" and it's only yours. Guess that's why we use YMMV so often around here. But darn sure I keep my eye out for a good "vintage" or used razor in the classifieds or elsewhere

I've found some SUPER CERIUM OXIDE on ebay , its 45 dollars with postage to the uk,, for a 2oz tub..
I will buy it and save it until i have some 30k experience under my belt.
How would i mix it? with water or oil? I'd use on the felt paddle i have, and how much would i need to use.
thanks

That sounds pretty expensive for 2 oz that sounds more like the 1 lb price last time I bought it I paid $48 shipped US for a pound...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

That sounds pretty expensive for 2 oz that sounds more like the 1 lb price last time I bought it I paid $48 shipped US for a pound...

I did think it alot of cashiolie for 2oz..
I might have to shop around, maybe try and find some over here in England

Yeah it really isn't rare at all any place that grinds and polishes Eyeglasses will use it

Is it therefore safe to say that any paste used for optics in the 0.1-2 micron range can be used for sharpening/smoothening razors? I located some diamond pastes in the Netherlands intended for polishing glass, but have not yet pulled the trigger.

I just purchased 4 0z of Super Cerium Oxide for $25 including postage from France...
Can some one tell me how to apply it and how to mix it?
Many thanks