Thanks for all of the info, you have given me alot to think about. It is very interesting how the hone become less abrasive as it dries out.

What paste would you suggest ...

Classic shaving has a , .50 micron Diamond Sharpening Paste. Can I put this paste directly on the leather side of my loom strop? And would this paste be a good paste to use after the red dovo paste? So after honing I would use the red paste, the .5 micron paste, then the leather?