Thread: Experiences with the "slurry as strop paste" method?

I agree with Euclid. If you use slurry from a stone (whether synthetic or natural), the particle size and size distribution will depend upon how the slurry is generated. That means that every time you make a slurry, your results will be different. You are better off purchasing an abrasive with a known particle size. Also, make sure you purchase a product that is designed for razors. For example, we normally expect Chromium Oxide to be 0.5 micron (30K grit), but if you purchase an inexpensive stick of green polishing compound from you local hardware store, it might be a mixture of abrasives and it might not be 0.5 micron.

You mentioned that you did not like diamond paste. However, you did not mention what particle size you were using, or the method you were using for stropping. Diamond is a very aggressive abrasive. It is easy to use too much paste or to strop too much causing the edge to become harsh. Many people recommend balsa as the best substrate for diamond pastes.

Although diamond and chromium oxide may be the most common abrasives used for pasted strops, other worthy of consideration are Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN), Cerium Oxide, and Ferrous Oxide (FeO2). You can even purchase Aluminum Oxide powder. Cerium Oxide is frequently sold for polishing scratches out of glass, but it polishes steel as well. These abrasives are less aggressive than diamond, so are less susceptible to overstropping. Currently, I am using 0.5 micron CrOX and 0.5, 0.25 and 0.125 micron CBN. The progression produces a wonderfully keen, smooth edge.