Thread: Balsa strop, chinese 12k, or both?

was reading responses to honing and read that while a Chinese 12 isn't necessary. All you would need is a balsa strop with CrO. I made a paddle strop from the info on this forum (for pretty cheap I might add) . The only things I need is a flatening stone(norton or DMT?) and some paste. I was wondering whether I should get the 12k anyway or just get paste?
I have a heavy beard and trying to get as keen an edge as possible

Thanks

BTW here is a pic of my homemade strop

Wow, great looking strop!

I would definitely recommend getting both if you can spare the $20 that the small 12k costs.

Are you planning on using two different pastes?

Each Balsa strip is 8" long and 3" wide which is pretty much like a norton 4/8. I'm thinking about using 2 pastes but not sure which ones. While I was hoping to use CrO, so far I'm understanding that it's not easily available. So i'm thinking of the diamond paste .5, 1.0, and/or the Th Issard Sharperning paste

Here is a link.

Green Chrome Oxide Compound - Woodcraft.com

Originally Posted by zenshaver

Here is a link.

Green Chrome Oxide Compound - Woodcraft.com

Did a thread search and read that this compound isn't that good.

It's not AS good as other kinds.

Send a PM to Chris L, he was distributing the good stuff a little while ago, maybe he's still got some.

As far as diamond pastes go, I've purchased from this guy: diamond paste 1 micron normal - eBay (item 130248209442 end time Sep-18-08 10:30:50 PDT)

He has a decent pure badger brush, as well as some other nice shaving items, cheap shipping and has sold to many members here.

Originally Posted by zenshaver

Here is a link.

Green Chrome Oxide Compound - Woodcraft.com

Stay away from that compound. It is not fine enough. The max size is up to 6 microns.

Check with ChrisL and see if he has chrome ox available.