Thread: Chromium oxide

I have a stick of green chromium oxide that I use in my wood shop. I tried making a paddle strop but applying the chromium oxide to the leather resulted in streaks and globs of chromium oxide on the leather, not a smooth surface. Is this going to work or is there another way to apply chromium oxide to the leather?

Dave

It will still work, just try to get it spread out some.

I'm not a fan of mixing chromium oxide with oils etc, but for the waxy sticks (crayons) like that I would shave a bit off into a little bowl and nuke it with some mineral oil. just a bit, not too much. Don't get it hot, just get it to where it easily mixes together. Then take your finger and smear it on.

I'd reccomend NOT using the green bar at all, however. They don't give a smooth shave like pure chromium oxide.

I did some investigation into the subject, and basically most of the bars are made by Formax MFG. They don't use but 20 - 30 percent chromium oxide. The rest is aluminum oxide and other gunk.

Here is a complete write up of the subject:

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

Thank you for the warning. I tried using the chromium oxide stick, which I did get from Lee Valley, by loading newsprint and stropping with the paper on granite. It roughened the edge and I went back to the stone. I don't know why, but I thought maybe leather would do better. Luckily, the streaking bothered me and I didn't use it. Come Monday, I am ordering chromium oxide from Hand American.

That kinda sucks (the bars being contaminated). Guess I also have to invest in some powder sometime.

Hand American is selling thru this store.

http://www.japaneseknifesharpeningst...lts.asp?Cat=27

Or if you check the classifieds ChrisL sells small packets of it(enough for a strop) for $4.00. Beats spending $12.00 on a tub when you probably won't use all of it.

Originally Posted by Kanahmal

Or if you check the classifieds ChrisL sells small packets of it(enough for a strop) for $4.00. Beats spending $12.00 on a tub when you probably won't use all of it.

I will vouch for the quality. I Chromed my linen strop and man does it do wonders.

So it is really that big of a difference?
Then I am looking forward to getting my powder in the mail

Originally Posted by flyboy

So it is really that big of a difference?
Then I am looking forward to getting my powder in the mail

Is it a significant difference that's noticeable? yes. but it's a matter of preference too.

I'd say CrOx is more of a touchup thing than an added treatment. It's something you might do every couple of weeks or longer in place of a touchup on a finishing hone. I recently tried it. I managed to get one of those edges that felt absolutely "smooth". I'm not sure I liked it. I think I more prefer to feel the edge on my face with just a slight resistance/feedback. I've seen that difference described as the edge being more or less "aggressive".

Since CrOx is used with a strop (pliable surface like linen, leather or balsa wood) it's honing effect not only smooths the edge/bevel but convexes it as well. That may be the reason for the somewhat unique? difference in feel as opposed to using something like a 30K hone?

The downside might be that, due to the convexed bevel, a bit more work might be required when it's due for a major touchup. Don't know if that would be a significant amount of incremental work.

That's my understanding based on precious little knowledge and experience.