[Ashley]

Hi all,

Does anyone know a source of diamond paste (0.5 and 0.25 micron) in Australia? Preferably in Brisbane.

I want to try a pasted strop to keep my edge in shape.

Thanks,
Ash.

[jayhou8004]

I don't know of any sellers in Australia, but ClassicShaving.com ships to Australia at fairly reasonable prices.

-Justin

[PonderingTurtle]

Look for companies that sell to manufacturors and machine shops. I know that the one we buy from at work has those grits and sells them for about 30% less than classic shaving.

But given how long they should last you, and the weak american dolar, it might make sense to buy from an american source.

[Ashley]

Thanks guys,

I'll look up some local machining suppliers for lapping compounds.

Yes, I could get it from the US, but if it is sitting on a shelf somewhere local it will be quicker.. takes over a week to get stuff downunder from the US.

Cheers,
Ash.

[Jimbo]

Ash,

Check out lapidary suppliers. E.g. these guys at Ballina (they also have an outlet at Yowa Opal fields if you are in the area ):

Diamond Lapidary Polishing Compounds

James.

[Ashley]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Check out lapidary suppliers. E.g. these guys at Ballina
Diamond Lapidary Polishing Compounds

Thanks Jimbo.

I assume the 50,000 and 100,000 grits are the 0.5 and 0.25 micron sizes?

Cheers,
Ash.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Ashley

Thanks Jimbo.

I assume the 50,000 and 100,000 grits are the 0.5 and 0.25 micron sizes?

Cheers,
Ash.

Ash,

That I'm not too sure about. Based on Shapton grits 0.25 microns is roughly 60K, and 0.5 is about 30K I think. Don't know whether that translates into diamond pastes very well, but it's probably ballpark.

But then there's also this.

Might be a good idea, if you go with them, to give them a call and ask if they can give you a micron equivalent.

James.

[Ashley]

Hi Jimbo,

Just and update. I contacted them and apparently they source their diamond power in the USA in microns but sell in grit as that is what their customers are used to.

The 100,000 grit is 0.25 micron and the 50,000 is 0.5 micron.


I have some on the way, so I'll report back once I get it and give it a go. I'm going to make a balsa wood paddle strop as a first step and see how that goes.

Cheers,
Ash.

[sssz]

Hi Ashley,
Can you post some photos of your paddle strop when you start construction?
Stu

[Ashley]

Originally Posted by sssz

Can you post some photos of your paddle strop when you start construction?

Hi Stu,

Sure.. I'm not a master craftsman, but I'll get something going. I am also considering making a reasonable sized loom strop if I can find some suitable leather (not sure what that is yet though..)

I seem to remember that you are in Brisbane also, is that right?

Ash.

[Ashley]

A bit of an update.

I received my order from Gemcuts today. All good. The pastes look the go.

I have the wood for the paddle and the balsa (both from Bunnings) - about $9 all up.. now I just need to get some time to make up the paddle and attach the balsa and I'm away..

I'll update again when I have some progress and photos.

Ash.

[Ashley]

Ok, Diamond paste is good.. very good !!!

I have been able to get a (what I thought without anything to compare to) a good shaving edge on my belgium stones. But now - wow! I must say I am feeling alot better about my edges - The are definitely much sharper and shave more comfortably.

I'll post pics of the paddle strop I made when I can get a chance to take some photos.

Ash.

[GhostRida]

can't wait to see them, may have to follow suit.