Quote Originally Posted by neo71665 View Post
<off topic>Smooth leather alone is not used to sharpen knifes often it is treated with sharpening compound of some sorts<back on topic>
I've been under the impression that one can use a strap with a griding paste to sharpen a dull knife but that the standard use of putting the final sharp edge on a razor does without any grit. I do know of conditioners but, again, I'm under the impression that they are used to protect and maintain the leather strap rather than assist in the blade polishing.