Thread: Pastes related to razor quality?

In my Bismark thread, brittleness and micro chipping are issues that were brought up, and it got me thinking....

In the grand scheme of razors of acceptable quality, there are those which are "higher" (such as custom made), and there must be those that are "lower" (such as 'entry level' razors) as a result. While I am no expert, I think it is safe to say that price is a factor in direct relation to quality on new razors.

The lower end razors will possibly use cheaper materials, such as a less expensive steel type, and more mass production behind them, while the higher end will be made from more expensive materials, and produced in small batches, individually made, or even precision machined.

Pastes are abrasive, but their abrasives are softer and more refined than those of sharpening stones, in general.

So on "lower" razors, could an argument be made that micro chipping can be better avoided by using pastes, since they do not abrade as quickly or as aggressively?

From my reading, less aggressive hones can help prevent microchipping, and I would think that pastes would fall into this category. But I'm only guessing, as I don't have experience with microchipping and I have minimal experience with pastes. I'm curious to see what those who actually know have to share.

One of the few times I experienced dramatic micro-chipping was while stropping an expensive TI with a canvas hanging strop loaded with chromox. (No conclusion, just one random observation to toss in.)