Originally Posted by Tony Miller
Randy,
I have to disagree with the statement that a pasted strop will never make a razor that is not shaving well work. No, it won't take a dull eBay find to shave ready but it will easily maintain any reasonably sharp razor and will bring back some pretty dull examples. Now I do use more than just the 0.5 and 0.25 but seldom use a hone on any razor. I have brought back some pretty dull razors and sharpen everything I sell on just pasted strops. I have also used "shave ready" razors sharpened by others on just a stone and to me and my beard at least, well they need more than just the stone to be their best.
It comes down to proper tool for the job. The Norton will do just about everything but it is not the only tool out there and may not be the best final step before a shave. A new razor out of the box that is not that sharp can easily be brought to shave ready with just pastes. Nicks, chips, 50 year old eBay finds...use a Norton, no doubt.
Yes, I am biased because I make ands sell strops but I do so because I found that a stone alone was not enough. Different people get different results. What works for me or works for you may not work for others. It take experimentation and time and practivce with any or the tools to get the best results.
Best,
Tony