I do about 40 laps (down and back count as 1) on the cloth side and 50 laps on the leather before each shave, after my shave I do 10 laps on cloth side to dry. You will not need any paste for a while, this is only to touch up your blade. I do not put oil on my blade that I am shaving with currently, I shave every three days, I only oil a blade that is not used that frequently. Hope this helps.