I strop on a ceramic stick too. But, that’s after I sharpen on it. After I sharpen, I strop to align and straighten the thinnest part of the edge. Then I strop it on a plain leather belt to help polish the edge and remove micro burrs etc. I’d use compound, but have never gotten around to getting any. I’ve not noticed it for sale at gunshows, and I don’t want to order it and pay $8 or so shipping for one item when that’s about what the compound would cost. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />