Thread: Can't get sharp with strop anymore, need advice

You have said your razors were professionally honed. This means they were probably taken to 12k. Now you must decide if you are acceptable to them having a slightly duller edge as in a 4/8, a possibly equal edge off a barber hone and if you can get those edge by honing yourself(you'll need practice). Or you could get 1micron paste/spray which is approx. equal to 12k and this will be much easier and all you need is a bit of leather to put it on although eventually you will probably need to get it honed again(it should be awhile). All in all they all work as long as you don't ruin the edge by dropping, chipping, etc or it will need to be fully honed from 1k anyhoo. Maybe try the seach and read for a while and you'll get the answer that eludes you. Good luck.

I've decided to try two things. First, I ordered some chromium oxide that I'll use to make a pasted strop. I'll probably order a new linen strop so that I can paste both sides, if I decide to keep doing the pasted strop.

Also, I realized that the Chinese 12k stones were on sale at woodcraft, so I picked up one of those until I can get a swaty for a good price. Then, I'll see which one I like better.

Sigh...in for a penny, in for a pound, I guess.

I would not go with the Norton 4/8 advice because (a) you have to soak the stones to use them, and that discourages using them as a quick touch-up hone. and (b) they are not fine enough for your purposes. For a pro-honed razor that is only pulling a little, you just need a few strokes on a very fine hone, like maybe a 12K Naniwa or even a barber-hone, which is easy enough to find online. A pasted strop is only a stop-gap and no substitute for a good touch-up hone. I suggest you find a nice two-grit barber hone which, with 5 or so strokes on each side, will restore your edge.

Originally Posted by LawsonStone

will restore your edge.

how long would it keep a honemeister at bay?

Originally Posted by LawsonStone

I suggest you find a nice two-grit barber hone which, with 5 or so strokes on each side, will restore your edge.

Can you suggest a nice two-grit barber hone? What should I be looking for?