How does CrOx paste compare to honing stones? Is it equivalent to a 12k, or is it finer?
If finer, is the difference between it as large as that between a 12k and a 10k stone?
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How does CrOx paste compare to honing stones? Is it equivalent to a 12k, or is it finer?
If finer, is the difference between it as large as that between a 12k and a 10k stone?
Chrome Oxide is finer, but it is not just about particle size. There are lot of variables, some of which, I am sure are synergistic, and we don’t fully understand and which make up some of the mystery, of some Natural Finish stones.
Particle size, shape, hardness and friability, then the substrate/binder frangibility, each play an equally important roll, in performance for razors. A stone of a certain grit rating, may work fine for razors, but not for knives or tools, and vice a versa.
With Chromium Oxide there are qualities of Chrome Oxide, for razor use. You want pure, Razor proven quality of Chrome Oxide. Many, most hardware or wood working store, Chrome Oxide, is for polishing and contains other abrasives for quick polishing, good for tools or polishing, hard on razor edges.
Substrate hardness will affect Chrome Oxide performance. The same paste on leather will perform differently on balsa.
A good razor quality Chromium Oxide from Kremer, Hand America or SRD will polish a good, 12k edge to a more comfortable level, generally.
Bottom line YMMV.
Crox is about .3 to .5 micron which is around 20-30k grit range. These ratings vary from different manufacturers and not all cr ox is made the same.
All I can say is that cro ox will smooth out an edge quite nicely.
As a general thing the CrOx would be used say on a strop or similar after the 12K stone as a final finisher.
Diamond spray/paste is another option. There are other oxides out there too if you look around the site.
James.