Quote Originally Posted by Euclid440 View Post
Did you use a belt-sander?

The problem with sand paper on a strop is the risk of imbedding loose grit in the leather. One grain can ruin an edge.

I prefer to scrape leather with a sharp cabinet scraper, it also leaves a napped finish on leather, like a fine suede, that takes paste well.

Make sure your “Green Stuff” is pure Chrome Oxide or you could be contaminating the leather with other unknown and of unknown grit size abrasive. Some polishing compounds, contain very little if any Chromium Oxide and while it will polish the bevel, will leave a rough shaving edge.

Pure Chrome Oxide and Ferrous Oxide can be purchased from Kramer Pigments inexpensively.The color and draw will calm down once the oil is absorbed into the leather in a week or two.
No, no belt sander, just 320 grit wet/dry. I was pretty worried about loose grain embedding too, but it feels good so I think I got away with it. A cabinet scrapper would have been a good idea though.

Thanks for the tip on the Chrome Oxide. I'm not sure Kremer Pigments ships to Canada, at least not cheaply. I was checking out some of the pastes at Maggard Razors and they seem to have both good reviews and are very affordable, at least as far as I can tell.