So I have no money. Poor as a church mouse. As such this is the great motivator, to create something from nothing.
I am sure I am not the first to put this out here but let me proceed.
I have a 1k Global Wet Ceramic Hone, a 4 or 5k Arkansas from Col. Conk, a 32k Chrom Ox Linen Strop, and a strop.
I do my sharpening in the Eastern fashion finish with some Western swipes. My edge was a little gritty on a an HHT so I put a piece of 2500 grit Silicon Carbide paper on a straight piece of wood and repeated my strokes.
HHT with some course deer hair from my fly tying kit. It was popping hairs like crazy. Still heard the edge was rough, back to the linen and then to the leather. HHT smoother but still just a little bit gritty.
My question: Is it time for a Coticule or BBW or should I go to 5000 grit Silicon Carbide paper?