Cerium Oxide source?

[PaulKidd]

If you please, where can I get some razor-quality CeO paste?

Thank you.

[thebigspendur]

You can get pure CeO from any lapidary store. The stuff is mainly used as a final polisher for lapidary work on hard minerals like Quartz and harder. It comes as a powder.

[RezDog]

I got mine from a glass shop. It is optical grade.

[PaulKidd]

Thanks gentlemen. I think there is an outfit like you described not too far from here.

I appreciate your help!

Paul

[PaulKidd]

After a couple of phone calls, I learned that I can get some CeO powder from a local
jeweler. He says its 95% pure. I presume that's good enough.

Obviously, I want to use it on a razor strop, but the jeweler tells me that he
mixes the powder with water, to make a paste. That's for polishing stone/glass.

Because I intend to use the CeO on a leather strop, I presume that an oil/powder mix
would be better. The choices on hand are mineral oil and neatsfoot oil.

Would one better than the other? What do you think?

[RezDog]

I mixed mine with water and put it on felt.

[gssixgun]

You want Super White Cerium

99% pure

The difference is quite telling

I will get you the Phone number of the place that has it

Here call them tomorrow and see if they still have it

401-789-9550

OSA Abrasives ask for Permalox High Purity CeO2 Powder

It does NOT sharpen / refresh the edge it simply "Smooths the feel" most people do not use it because they think it is a finer grade of CrOx and it is much different very soft feeling little cutting ability

For a leather strop use a pea sized amount of powder and a dime sized amount of Plain Hand Cream for each use

[thebigspendur]

Actually top of the line CeO is 99.6% pure and can be many colors depending on the purification method and the amount of rare earth minerals it has. it can be white or beige or chamois color or grey. Color is not an indicator of purity.

[PaulKidd]

Again, thank you kindly. I'll make that call.

[RayClem]

As with most abrasives, Cerium Oxide is available in many different particle sizes. The particle size you specify will be dependent on the type of impact you want on your razor. I would suggest that you not purchase the product unless the micron size is specified.

I purchased some GP-Pro premixed cream with a particle size of 2.3 micron. It does help, but I like to finish using even finer (0.50, 0.25, and 0.10 micron) Cubic Boron Nitride.

If you want to out the abrasive on leather, I would suggest that you purchase a piece of leather from your local hobby store rather than putting it on your hanging strop. Putting it on felt is another option.