Paste or Hone - Keeping a Single Razor in Top Shape

Ok, I'm not doing restorations that call for a bevel setter, work horse hone (ie 4k/8k), and then a finishing hone. I'm just trying to figure out the most cost effective option for keeping my daily shaver in top condition. My knife hones are too coarse for a razor (a soft Arkansas stone is my normal knife finisher). So I'm trying to figure out my options. Chromium Oxide on the back of my strop would be the overall cheapest route but if a 12k or 16k hone would work better for occasional refreshes I'm not adverse to investing in one. I really do not like having to throw good money after bad which I've had to do too much on my journey into the world of cutthroat shaving so I'm trying to do a bit more research this go round.

If you catch the razors before they deteriorate much a pasted strop will do the job. Eventually you will need a hone but you can probably use the CrO for years before that.

On the other hand a hone is the classic way and will cover you if the razor goes too far for the CrO which is really fine stuff. Though I have both I'd rather use my escher for touchups. I mostly use the CrO for certain razors to give them a more of a refined edge.

It's all a matter of how you approach it. Financially the CrO is the economical way but if you are not diligent in honing you will wind up having to buy a hone anyway.

When I started I bought some chrome ox and made a balsa paddle strop. That kept me going until I had some coin saved up to buy a hone.

when i started about 1.5 years ago i too wanted to be cost effective and i bought a J.A. HENCKELS 3k/8k stone 170$. then timor paste set brown/black which is.... ummm 8or10k and 12k(10$). then i finally got cromium oxide. ive been able to sharpen from blunted with this cheap set up and maintain all razrs. using lynns circle method ive been able to work any bevel on the 3k stone

I guess it's off to read that sticky about making a pasted strop then.

I think you can go a while on pasted strop, I don't know about years. Get some lapping film, 3 and 1 micron and a flat marble or granite tile. This way you have the equivalent of 8k and 14k. That can last you a long time unless you ding it on the sink. Or use the paste and send it out when the paste doesn't do it. If you hone very infrequently, I don't know that you will be experienced enough to know if you sharpened it correctly or that you are done.

I'd recommend a Sharpton 16k, I find mine great for maintaining the edge of my razors. Generally, as little as ten laps and I'm done. Also, the Shapton doesn't need to be soaked (I just spray it was water from a spray bottle) so it's a quick job too...

Until your razor encounters the faucet, you can go forever with a Naniwa SS 12K and a leather strop.