Hone or pastes or both?

Been straight shaving now for several months and I'm thinking more about acquiring and maintaining an edge on my razors. I have a Norton 4/8 and a decent strop(of course). Wondering if it would be helpful or even necessary to get a couple of different pastes thru web sales combined with some balsa from the local hardware store. Is the Norton and a strop enough to maintain a good edge and a good shave? Are the pastes effective and if so, what should I buy? Didn't see much in the WIKI but I may have overlooked the info. Any advice or opinions are welcome and appreciated

you can get some CrO and apply on balsa or linen or leather for stropping after the 8k Norton.
See how you like it. another option is 0.5 micron diamond spray , it can be applied on felt, linen or leather again.

I would suggest that you learn to get as much of an edge as you can from the 8k before you try anything else.

I agree with both mainaman and with deighaingeal. Paste or spray can improve your edge if you want to use it but it is best to become proficient enough at honing to get smooth and comfortable shaves off of the 8k before you use finer tools to enhance the edge. That is the way I was taught and glad of it. Here is a tutorial out of the archives on how to apply paste and here is another informative post on pastes in general.

Im also looking to get into honing..seems like pastes are after you master the art of honing...

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Originally Posted by kaivorth

Im also looking to get into honing..seems like pastes are after you master the art of honing...

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That is a very good approach when you are beginning. I have tried all manner of pastes and sprays and have found that it's best to limit yourself to just one for awhile so you don't get confused or overwhelmed by all the choices you actually have.

Presently I have been using one particular powder ( .1 micron iron oxide ) on a limited basis applied to the inside of a cardboard cereal box glued to a piece of tile. Utopian recommends the cereal box and I am convinced that it improves the final edge on my razors.

I have tried to thank Utopian for his suggestion but his inbox is always full. So I will thank him here. Thanks Ron.

JERRY