Description

Chromium oxide polishing compound, a bar of fine abrasive particles in a wax or grease carrier, is the final step in a complete tool maintenance sequence. After honing on Arkansas stones (which refine the bevel and remove the gross burr), charging a leather strop with compound and then stropping the tool removes the finest remaining micro-burr and burnishes the steel surface at the cutting edge to a true polish.

The difference this final stage makes is tangible. A tool straight off the honing stone cuts well , but a tool that has gone through the strop cuts with a noticeably cleaner, more fluid action. The polished edge slips through the material with less resistance, producing cleaner cuts, less tendency for the edge to catch or drag, and meaningfully less hand fatigue over a sustained work session in lino or woodblock.

At 900g, this is a substantial studio quantity. Apply the compound sparingly to the strop leather surface , a small amount loaded into the leather goes a long way. Recharge the strop only when the stropping action begins to feel unproductive.