Quote Originally Posted by ForestryProf View Post
From my experience, Jeff hit the nail on the head. I have used diamond compounds (1.0, 0.5, and 0.25) as well as the 'black diamond' paste sold by Keith at Hand American (not diamond at all, but don't remember the abrasive compound right now--1.0 micron), and CrO2 (0.5 micron). I've put all of these compounds on various leathers (Thanks Tony), balsa, cedar, maple...various other soft woods, and for me....I now finish all of my blades with CrO2 on smooth vegetable tanned leather. I find that (for me), the edge produced gives a markedly smoother shave than diamond paste of any grit.

Anyone want to buy some diamond pastes and a two sided balsa strop?

Just another data point,
Ed
If I am not mistaken I think the 1.0 micron paste that Keith sells was Boron Carbide paste.