Using Balsa

I'm a total and complete newb. I've purused the beginners guides here and the wiki, but still have some confusion when it comes to the use of balsa hones. Not even sure that it's appropriate to call it a hone, but it's not a strop either.

My question is, how do you use a balsa hone? Do you use it with strokes like a strop, or with strokes/circles like a hone?

Does anyone actually use these?

The reason I'm asking is I'm looking at whipped dog's strop balsa combo package. The balsa comes with paste, but I'm not sure what use it will be to me.

Thanks for the input.

It is a strop, not a hone. It is used the same as a strop (paddle strop) and you lead with the back edge of the blade. The paste, usually Chrome oxide is a polishing abrasive. Rick

Welcome to SRP!

The balsa/Chromium Oxide paddle strop is used a lot for touching up a razor as in when it starts to pull or drag after several uses. It can also be used after honing to help further refine/polish the edge. Whipped Dog's package is a nice inexpensive setup for a beginner as it has all you need to maintain a razor while learning to shave with a str8 razor.

Good luck in your str8 razor shaving journey!

already has been mention what it is and how to use it.
i would say it is very useful for new starters because you will not hurt the edge.
gl

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rjezuit

It is a strop, not a hone. It is used the same as a strop (paddle strop) and you lead with the back edge of the blade. The paste, usually Chrome oxide is a polishing abrasive. Rick

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Thanks for str8tening me out on that one.