Thread: How long between honings with a Pasted Strop?

Hello All,

I have been wet shaving with a DE for a while now and am looking to get a straight.

I plan on purchasing a pre-honed razor and was wondering how long it would stay keen using a pasted paddle strop.

I had the:
Heirloom Combination, Vintage Style 4 Sided Paddle Strop

In mind with 3.0, 1, 0.5 micron pastes; leaving the 4th side red latigo for honing.

Will the paddle strop be acceptable for pre-shave stroping or would I be better off with a hanging strop in addition?

If purchasing a hanging strop and norton 4k/8k makes more sense I can certainly go that route too; just trying to find the best equipment to start with.

Thanks!
-Geoff

Pasted strops can maintain an edge for a long time. I have 4 razors in my rotation and I'm at about two years since Lynn honed them up. The main thing is not to let the razor become excessively dull before hitting the paste.

That is certainly encouraging to hear.

Are you stropping on the paddle; or using a hanging strop?

Also, what pastes are you using?

Thanks
-Geoff

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

Pasted strops can maintain an edge for a long time. I have 4 razors in my rotation and I'm at about two years since Lynn honed them up. The main thing is not to let the razor become excessively dull before hitting the paste.

I'm using a homemade paddle strop with 0.5 microm chromium oxide and 1.8 micron boron carbide.

The BC and CO is pretty much the combination I've settled on as well. Seems to make a nicer edge than the diamond paste.

I've wondered how the diamond pastes compared. Can you describe why you like them less?

The edge doesn't seem to be as smooth or as strong. They are a bit faster though, and you can get them in nice industrial grade grit sizes.

I can't comment on how the various pastes stack up as I am mainly a diamond and TI paste user but have fooled with the chromium oxide a little. It does seem to do a nice job but might need refreshing a bit more often.

Any of the regular users of CO care to comment on longevity? It seems like a nice choice though if it holds up.


As for paddle over hanging, they each have their place. A wider longer hanging strop will certainly do a better job at daily stropping hands down but some guys want to start with a single tool and so I add a red latigo side for daily use on the Combo version of my 4 sided paddle. It is not as effective and will take more passes but does the job if limited of space and or budget and if you want to start with just one tool while you learn. Ultimately both would be better.

I just added a getting started page to my main website, www.thewellshavedgentleman.com It explains what is needed and how it all works, razors, stones, hones and pasted and hanging strops. I also discuss the important of starting with a sharp razor over trying to do you own the right in the beginning.

Tony Miller

Just for your consideration, I don't use any pastes, just a plain hanging strop, and can go for a year or longer without rehoning. I use the same razor everyday and stropping keeps it HHT keen. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't use paste if you want, I just think it's more technique than anything else.

Any details on your homemade paddle strop?

I am thinking of constructing a two sided paddle strop out of 3/4" ply and attaching balsa.

Figured 3"x12" + handle (which I will just cut into the ply).

What did you use?

Thanks!
-Geoff

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

I'm using a homemade paddle strop with 0.5 microm chromium oxide and 1.8 micron boron carbide.