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Post by nickw on Dec 5, 2007 13:22:38 GMT
Well, on it actually.  What do members use as the cutting agent on their strops? At the moment I'm using Tormek's honing paste, but I see that other people use soap. What do you use, and if soap, which colour? |
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Post by jake on Dec 5, 2007 13:41:41 GMT
I use Autosol, mostly because I have a tube of it, but I know that some people with make-up bags deprecate that in favour of using rouge.
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Post by paulchapman on Dec 5, 2007 14:24:34 GMT
Hi Nick, I use jewellers rouge, which is the finest of the various honing compounds and sometimes mix a small amount of Vaseline with it - seems to help and keeps the leather strop supple. I have my leather stuck to two layers of 18mm MDF  I bought a pack of the various honing compounds  The colour denotes the coarseness. They all seem pretty good. I use the most coarse (black one) on MDF wheels when honing beading cutters - no particular reason, just tried it and it works well.  Mike Hudson of Clico (Clifton planes) supplies the blue honing compound which I've also used and which also seems to produce excellent results (have a look at Mike's blades if you see him at any of the shows - he get a fabulous finish on them - and he usually has some pieces of leather you can buy - that's where I got mine). I don't use Solvol Autosol (except for polishing the cap iron) because that tends to dry on the leather, but it would no doubt produce a good finish. Which of of all the compounds is best is probably splitting hairs - they all work very well in my experience. Cheers Paul |
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Post by jake on Dec 5, 2007 15:20:53 GMT
I just tip some of the oil I use for sharpening on the strop to damp it again. There's probably better ways.
Where did you get the pack from, Paul, CSM or something?
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Post by paulchapman on Dec 5, 2007 15:56:03 GMT
Where did you get the pack from, Paul, CSM or something? I bought mine in my local hardware shop in Leatherhead (there are still a few of those shops about  ), but I think most tool dealers, like Buck & Ryan; Axminster and others do it. You can usually buy them individually or in packs of 2, 4 or 6 assorted grades. The stuff lasts for ages because you only wipe it on. Mine will probably out-live me........ Cheers Paul |
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Post by jake on Dec 5, 2007 16:07:45 GMT
I might have to get some, then I too can use rouge.  |
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Post by paulchapman on Dec 5, 2007 16:21:30 GMT
I might have to get some, then I too can use rouge. I think Colin (the restorer) uses Solvol Autosol and gets very good results from what I've seen of his carving tools. Maybe he'll be along later and tell us how he uses it..... Cheers Paul |
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Post by evergreen on Dec 5, 2007 17:40:21 GMT
Nick
I'm an Autosol man, too, mainly because it has so many other uses as well. I fear, like Paul, that a special block of honing compound would outlast me!
I use the Autosol on a piece of cardboard and for some reason, the inside surface of a Kellogg's cornflake packet has just the right degree of roughness to retain the polish. Who's a cheapskate? Me??
Regards.
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Post by paulchapman on Dec 5, 2007 17:47:23 GMT
the inside surface of a Kellogg's cornflake packet has just the right degree of roughness to retain the polish. I eat toast for breakfast - do you reckon I could use a bit of that or would it be too rough  ;D ;D Cheers Paul |
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Post by jake on Dec 5, 2007 18:04:53 GMT
I'm not sure rough and using rouge is all that compatible, although having said that, Jason might be living proof that I'm wrong.
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Post by mrspanton on Dec 5, 2007 21:48:35 GMT
I tried some diamond paste recently on leather, it worked reasonably well to get a fine razor edge on knives, BUT it was in a liquid base that was very greasy and heavy, it was difficult to draw the tools over it as it was acting like a brake. I suspect the paste was supposed to be used on copper plate machines to do microtome knives (1 micron paste)? However I also use solvol, I love it as you get the feel of the polish cutting, it isnt over sticky. I use cardboard or wood, round wood dowels and offcut's of chair spindles various diametre's to do internal curves. I smear it on the wood/card and let it dry I find it cuts better, I chuck the cardboard after a while, it tends to curve up and buckle after a while any way. Also rouge paste out the dremmel kit works well. I have grey and white tallow pastes but dont use them much now except on a wheels.
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Post by jfc on Dec 5, 2007 21:54:41 GMT
Maybe i am living proof , i just use the palm of my hand .
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Post by colincott on Dec 5, 2007 23:01:41 GMT
Maybe i am living proof , i just use the palm of my hand . Well you are ruff ;D I have used Solvol Autosol and rouge. I think that the rouge has the edge  ;D Just but I would be happy to just use the Solvol Autosol as Paul Chapman will tell you how well to works on my carving tools ;D By the way I use it on some leather on mdf. |
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Post by paulchapman on Dec 5, 2007 23:18:57 GMT
Paul Chapman will tell you how well to works on my carving tools ;D He's right I have one of Colin's hand-made carving tools and the edge is really sharp  Cheers Paul |
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Post by mailee on Dec 5, 2007 23:32:51 GMT
I use a cutting paste from work. (Autobody industry) It is almost the same consistancy as Autosol too. I also add a touch of oil to the strop.
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), but I think most tool dealers, like Buck & Ryan; Axminster and others do it. You can usually buy them individually or in packs of 2, 4 or 6 assorted grades. The stuff lasts for ages because you only wipe it on. Mine will probably out-live me........
;D
