I'm skeptical, if only because I've read the soft stones are suited to
very hard steel blades, and because with my own blade I'm able to reach
the glides-through-hair-without-resistance sharp using waterstones.

No, you're cutting a pathway into the soft stone, causing the micro-round on
the back of that Stanley blade as you push it. Too easy with that blade.

Also, since you say you are using green compound on a strop--I think
you'll get the same results following up a waterstone with chromium
oxide. I haven't been doing that, but I'm getting good results with a
hard blade (I didn't bother tempering since the blade is so very thick)
and water stones with no green compound.

The strop is mainly for touch ups. I mentioned, all one needs is a soft Arkansas
and leather for both jobs adding up to a complete job, but going lightly on the back
for light polishing and removing burs by 'dragging flat' on the leather. so to speak.

The thing about "gliding through hair" is possible this way.

That blade as un-tempered is still thin at the bevel and cutting edge where it can
crack, temper it back in your oven, like 300º F for an hour or less. Fully pre-heat
first, with your tray or rack along with it.

Now, if I had oilstones, I could make a real test instead of mere
protest.

Good deals:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...18&cat=1,43072
Just look at those grits!
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQ...QQsassZjpfarm4
A nice honest seller.

er
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Alex - "newbie_neander" woodworker
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/