Thread: Does this sound like a good idea?

OK, now that I have a couple shaves under my belt, I'm looking at hones- preparing for the future

Anyways, from what I've read, a good honing schedule is something like this-

4,000 hone
8,000 hone
pasted strop
canvas side of strop
leather side of strop

SOOO... that would mean that I would need a 4,000/8,000 hone another strop and paste.

Is this a good honing schedule? My strop is the one in the first kit- I'm thinking of making that one my pasted strop and getting a second one which is leather/canvas for standard stropping.

What sort of pastes should I get?

OR... am I confused and I should do something different?

Cheers,
Dave

That would be a perfectly sound set-up. I like chromium oxide paste to finish. You can also use diamond paste in .5 micron. You may want to consider a paddle strop for pasting also. Of course, Tony Miller sells them.

Jordan

Tony Miller? I'm guessing he's one of the site sponsors?

Originally Posted by peas_and_corn

Tony Miller? I'm guessing he's one of the site sponsors?

Yes, thewellshavedgentleman.com. Tony's work and service are well respected here - he is also a member. I think you can get a paddle strop at a more reasonable cost than a full blown hanger. I think some would also suggest that the paddle's firm surface may be less error prone for a newer user.

Jordan

Some might say that paste isn't necessary, but it is a small investment with a pretty long service life and works well.

So it's your choice really, but just know that you could get by without it if you wanted to.

Otherwise, yes, that is a very solid honing procedure. A finishing stone (10k-ish) might be an option to look at, but again, not necessary.

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

Some might say that paste isn't necessary, but it is a small investment with a pretty long service life and works well.

So it's your choice really, but just know that you could get by without it if you wanted to.

Otherwise, yes, that is a very solid honing procedure. A finishing stone (10k-ish) might be an option to look at, but again, not necessary.

I'm still trying to get any of my blades shave ready off of 8000 grit alone. Maybe I am in the minority though

So what paste should I get?

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I'm still trying to get any of my blades shave ready off of 8000 grit alone. Maybe I am in the minority though

No, I never liked the shave off the Norton 8k either. Just wanted to let him know that it is an option that works for some people.

peas_and_corn, Chromium Oxide (0.5 micron) is one of the most recommended pastes, but diamond paste is also readily available.

Newspaper also has a slight abrasiveness as well, I've had good experiences using it as a stropping media after honing.