Quote Originally Posted by zib View Post
I don't know if I'd go as far as calling pastes and sparys a crutch Stefan, but to each his own. Many guys, especially new guys may not be able to afford these expensive natural stones, Escher and Jnats especially. Pastes, sprays and films will get you there on the cheap. I know for me, some edges are too keen, Some Jnats, Shapton 16k, and a maybe a few others. I like finishing off with the Escher to kind of smooth out the edge. Crox works well too...

I really like the .50 diamond spray on wool felt, crox on leather, and the CBN. I've used CBN liquid on a PHIG before with interesting results. It's just another medium. I don't particually care for the abrasive films, but I think they're fine to use. I think a lot of guys look down on pastes and sprays like cheating. I don't think that's something we want to convey.
Rich,
notice I said super fine pastes, such as the 0.125 CBN and I believe may be even lower. I have nothing against 0.5 diamond spray I like the edges off it, but I do not get improvement after my finisher anymore. What I mean by crutches is of one has to go down to 0.1 or 0.05 CBN to get the edge, it just means the razor has to be worked more on the 8k lvl and up, assuming the bevel had been set correctly.