Thread: Paste finish vs stone finish

It is rare that the quality of a shave cannot be improved with the proper use of either a paste or spray.



Lynn

There is more than one way to skin a retriever....

Originally Posted by Lynn

It is rare that the quality of a shave cannot be improved with the proper use of either a paste or spray.



Lynn

I don't think Anyone else could say better.
Pastes have been used for centuries .
I used to use it long time ago.
I don't use anymore.
I get the edge the level which i like and don't need any additional way to improve the edge.
i was getting razors from people who used pastes and very often find out they most likely used paste aggressively and edge was loosing it is holding ability.(basically was sharp for couple shaves then was getting dull compare to honed blades).
This is why if you do use it properly past will help a lot.

I have played around with it and found it will definitely improve an edge. OTOH, I have rare natural (Escher) hones I've paid big bucks for. The challenge for me is to get the best edge possible of that expensive hunk of rock as opposed to $5.00 bucks worth of chrom-ox or diamond paste. Otherwise why did I spend all that money ? Don't answer that.

So far I"ve been going 1K[if needed], 4K/8K/Chinese finisher[anywere from 5 tp 25 laps as needed by feel [TPT], 5 to 10laps on .5uM--5 to 10laps on .25uM Paste and finally I go as many pass's as it feel necessary on CroX. Dissagree?? GOOD FOR YOU, Keep the debate going.........................................and so on.

Good thread people, very informative.

tinkersd.

I wonder.....Naaawww

There are different needs and approaches to this paste thing. I am all about the shave and little else. I am not a traditionalist, I want the edge that I feel best suits me. I care about little else and I am very particular, not to a snobbish point, but particular. At the beginning I used pastes above a DMT8EE and it was ok. I learned how to shave with a straight. Soon I learned that when I started using stones to accomplish more and more in my progression my edges became more stable. Finally I found a J-Nat that is a world class stone and I love the smooth edges that I get from it but wanted just that little bit of a "tweak" in keenness, if you know what I mean.

For me, now, I use CBN on felt as the final and only step that I use a stropping type material. 10 laps does the trick for me.


Take Care,
Richard

Originally Posted by Lynn

It is rare that the quality of a shave cannot be improved with the proper use of either a paste or spray.



Lynn

This is true. I use all of em..., stones and pastes (or sprays)

Just depends on my mood, and the blade. I have no problem using them, I don't consider it cheating, it's just another medium to try.