I rarely use paste or spray. Just a personal prejudice. After all, it is just another arrow in the quiver to get the desired results. Early on I was on a mission to get shave ready on hones and strops alone. I finally got there and the idea of using fifty cents worth of some powder following hones that cost hundreds of dollars just didn't set right with me. Now, I would use them if I felt like I needed them, but that isn't the case. Different strokes for different folks.