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  1. #1
    pea
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    Default balsa wood strop

    Hi guys.

    Ok this has gone on long enough, i've been trying to find out what a balsa wood strop is on the search but can't find it.

    Now, half the brain i have tells me it is a strop.......made of.......balsa....right?

    Does it have leather on it? I cant imagine stropping on just the wood. But something tells me thats all there is to it? (with cutting paste obviously?!!?)

    pea (confused)

  2. #2
    Electric Razor Aficionado
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    That's all it is. Cutting pastes cut differently on different substrates. Roughout leather substrates cut faster than smooth leather, which cuts faster than balsa, which cuts faster than hardwood.

  3. #3
    pea
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    Thanks.

    If someone doesn't mind can they list the procedure a little? Sorry to be a pain. Either that or head me in a direction where i can learn more about this area.

    thanks again

    pea (not so confused now)

  4. #4
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    Not sure what you mean - what procedure are you asking about?

  5. #5
    pea
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    Ok, I mean, to you just get a strip of balsa, add the paste and strop as normal?

  6. #6
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    I think most guys glue it down to something more substantial, though I guess if you get a big enough chunk that would work by itself. You'll need to lap it first as with any hone, then paste it. Yes, you strop as normal.

    I don't actually use a balsa strop - I've got pasted strops in roughout leather, smooth leather, and hardwood. Basically everything *but* balsa :-)

  7. #7
    pea
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    think i might go for a pasted smooth leather strop, just feels right!

  8. #8
    Born on the Bayou jaegerhund's Avatar
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    So has anyone used a hardwood like white or red oak before?


    Justin

  9. #9
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    I use poplar myself. Never used oak, though I've got a chunk of red oak waiting for me to order some of that 0.1 micron diamond paste.

  10. #10
    Born on the Bayou jaegerhund's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mparker762 View Post
    I use poplar myself. Never used oak, though I've got a chunk of red oak waiting for me to order some of that 0.1 micron diamond paste.
    I have a few thin planks of red oak flooring ---I guess if I hand plane it fairly flat it would be a good option. So evidently on smooth hard surfaces the honing action is slower and less agressive? Is there a benefit to this? I guess less possibility of overhoning but do you get a smoother more refined edge? People who have used arkansas oil stones to hone razors say it takes longer but the edge is superior --any truth here?

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