New Balsa Strop, need your input

[stereo.pete]

Alright folks,

I picked up a beautiful 4x4x12 inch block of balsa wood. I intend to do a 4 sided strop and I am looking for any compounds that you would recommend. One side for sure will be chromium oxide, but I am unsure as to what I should use on the other sides. What do the experts have to say?

Thanks,

Pete

[Mucho Bocho]

Pete I used HA boron Carbide works amazing on the harder stainless steels. Just one light stroke on either side coming off a dry takenono 6K strop bring sharp edges sticky again.

Does anybody know what the difference between boron carbide and chromium oxide as it relates to knife sharpening?

[daskooka]

Are you going to add leather or use the balsa itself?

[stereo.pete]

Are you going to add leather or use the balsa itself?

Balsa by itself, I currently have a leather and felt strop, I wanted to try balsa as a medium for many different compounds.

[Mrmnms]

Pete I used HA boron Carbide works amazing on the harder stainless steels. Just one light stroke on either side coming off a dry takenono 6K strop bring sharp edges sticky again.

Does anybody know what the difference between boron carbide and chromium oxide as it relates to knife sharpening?

Chromium oxide is a little softer than boron carbide. I have both. I tend to use boron carbide more especially on harder steels, but I'd be lying if I said I could feel a big difference on most knives. Maybe a better sharpener...

[Mucho Bocho]

Thanks for the FB Mike!

[Benuser]

IIRC Cr2O3 has a round structure leaving a smooth finish, not the bitiest edge. Size is something like .5 micron. I use it with soft carbons.
You may consider the use of Cr2O3 as acrylic artist's paint, olive green, water soluble, unexpensive.

[stereo.pete]

Thanks guys, I ordered .5 Chromium Oxide as well as some Boron Carbide spray to go along with my diamond spray.

[Mrmnms]

Thanks for the FB Mike!

you want to try some side by side?

[Mucho Bocho]

Thanks for the offer my friend. I've got enough stropping compounds and materials. I'm trying to nail down a consistent process and stropping on a high grit dry stone followed by felt/leather or balsa has been working well.