Diamond paste is a type of polishing compound made from finely ground or powdered diamond particles, and either oil based or water based liquid. Diamond powder itself is simply diamond paste without the water or other liquid binding agent. IBI recommends the use of paste for finely polishing various metals, including metal blades and other metal surfaces.
IBI Diamond Pastes and Suspensions
In the case of a metal blade, of course, the diamond paste not only polishes the flat surface of the blade, but also finely sharpens the cutting surface. Diamond paste is appropriate for use on ceramic, glass and mineral surfaces. It can also be used to clean surfaces made out of the aforementioned materials.
IBI offers pastes and suspensions that are based on oil and water soluble foundations, and of differing colours and concentrations depending on your requirements.