Thread: Changing Pastes?

I don't do pyramids on pastes either but the less is more approach is best. I do 10-12 on the 1.o and 15-20 very infrequently on the 0.5 whether diamond or chromium. I use leather most of the time as I just like the feedback it gives when used. The balsa, to me at least give less sensation of draw even when cutting well. I like to feel what the blade is doing on the paddle.

Tony

I think I heard that paste on the strop lasts from 6 mo. to 1 year. When the paste is no longer good, what do you do? Can you apply more paste right on top of the old or should you sand the old off then apply more paste... I don't even have a pasted bench strop yet but hopefully getting one soon. Thanks for everyones help!

With leather, you can just apply new paste on top of the old. With balsa, you can do that or lap off the old stuff and start over.

Tony's point about feedback is a good one. You get some draw from the leather strops and very little from balsa. I like the smoother stroke because it helps me use less pressure. One exception to this is my chromium oxide paddle, which I treated with Cr3O2 powder mixed with mineral oil. Right now this strop has some draw, but I suspect this will lessen as to oil soaks into the wood.

Josh