Questions using Leather strop and Wood Is Good WD 402 powder

[FredBearFan87]

I'm new to wood carving and using a leather strop. Recently I made my own strop out of 2 strips of leather from a leather shoe repair shop and a wooden paint stir stick. I wasn't sure as to what kind of abrasive compound I should use on my newly-made strop (In fact this is the first time I've heard of using a buffing compound on a strop!). I just decided to buy some aluminum oxide powder compound made by Wood Is Good. Is there anything I should know about how to properly use the powder rather than the bars most of the buffing compounds come in? I'm not sure if I need to clean it regularly or if there's anything I need...Help would be much appreciated!

[sashadoc]

I know I'll probably get some feedback on this but I'll share it anyway for what it's worth.
Before I started carving I sharpened hunting knives for people. My strop was a good piece of leather about 3"x14". I scuffed the surface and rubbed in a good thick grease (like bearing grease). Don't use a whole lot, just enough to keep the leather pliable and moist. I then sprinkled the polishing compound evenly over the works and rubbed it in. This worked well for the hunting knives. Just make sure the compound is fine enough. Nothing coarse.

Tim

[TreeWizard]

To each his own but I've made many strops and I find I like a backing that is a bit thicker than a paint stir stick. I have been using a 3/8" piece of black cherry for the last few I've made.

I wasn't happy with the flex in the thinner wood.

As far as a compound everyone seems to like something different and most anyplace that sells tools will offer several different kinds. They are not expensive so you can buy a small piece of a few and see which you like. I like the green myself.

[Dicky]

I would mix the powder with a little hard fat (tallow). The fat will adhere to the leather and carry the oxide powder with it. You would be making your own bar. . I have also carefully melted bar compounds, added a little hard fat and poured everything into a small jar. When everything has solidified, just work the new compound into the leather with your finger(s). Works great esp. with LeeValley green compound.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

The wood is good alum. oxide powder did not work for me. I like the green, White Gold and Cape Forge compound.

Dave

[Doug R]

I to am new to wood carving and started out with the powder but have now switched to the compounds and seem to prefer them a little more, try them both and choose for yourself as to which you like best. Good Luck

[scooter]

I've used AlOx powder with success for some time now. I just rub it up and down the strop with my finger. Once in a [great] while, I'll take a wire brush to the strop, to rough it up a bit.

S~

[Steve Reed]

I've used the white powder for a number of years, works fine for me. Just rub it in to your leather with your finger. I also use the yellow flexcut bar, and white and green bars as well. In my humble opinion, they all work fine.
Steve

[brent]

Originally Posted by Steve Reed

I've used the white powder for a number of years, works fine for me. Just rub it in to your leather with your finger. I also use the yellow flexcut bar, and white and green bars as well. In my humble opinion, they all work fine.
Steve

Same here, they all work fine for me. Sometimes I even use the leather apron I'm wearing and it doesn't have the compound on it each time.