Noob question on crox pasted strop use

Hi Gents,

On multiple threads, it seemed there is a controversy on the number of passes to be used with crox on a strop (paddle, in my case - about 22" length). The danger being wicked sharp at first, but quickly degrades to needing touch up. The questions are:

Is the need to limit the number of passes on crox strop only for a weekly/monthly touch up? or Always - including coming right off the 12k?

I'm reading 8-10 passes is about max. I just don't know if that's for touch up purposes, or also right off the finishing stone.

Many Thanks for your kind help.

I use crox only every couple of weeks (4-6). But that depends on your razor and how often you are using it. Usually 15-20 strokes are enough. After that I use a linen strop (50 strokes) and finally strop it on leather (another 50).
I usually use crox without honing the razor on a stone. Only if I have to touch up the razor (3-4 months) i use a stone (or lapping film) to touch up the bevel. Then i do about 25 strokes with crox and strop on linen and leather (50 stokes each).

Using crox once a week seems to frequently imho. I would guess that something is wrong with your stropping or shaving routine if the razor can not hold its sharpness for some weeks.

pinklather,

I will probably be branded a heretic, but I have found I need many more passes than 5 - 10 on the CrOx paddle give the results I like.

Weekly, I do 10 -20 laps on the CrOx paddle; Monthly I do 10 - 20 (or more !!) laps on the 12k Naniwa, followed by 20 laps on the CrOx.

I am testing a Spyderco UltraFine at present for use as the monthly hone.

I have noticed no extra/excessive wear to the blades, nor any rounding of the edge over a period of a year using the above protocol.

My 'test' blade is a Dovo 5/8 Best, half-hollow - I chose this razor because it is an excellent shaver, and also because the steel is not particularly hard, and would show up any wear faster than my harder blades.

Do what is best for you, rather than adhering to any hard and fast number.

For you less laps on the CrOx might be best, or it might be more laps.

Let your shave be the indicator :)

Experimenting with the various aspects of straight shaving is one its most enjoyable and interesting attractions !

Good luck !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I appreciate your kind help!

for ref: I've not used anything but a plain canvas & leather strop. I mainly wanted to know if the thinking was heavier use after stones, but sparingly after first stropping.

Again, Thank you both!

pinklather,

I usually do 10 - 30 laps on the CrOx paddle after the finishing hone (Naniwa 12k). The number depends on the steel of the razor, and how smooth I judge the edge to be.

Generally, the softer blades get 10 laps, the harder blades (e.g. C135 TIs) get 30.

0.5 micron diamond on felt sometimes gets used after the stones, though having once been bitten badly by the 0.5 diamond, I am a very careful and sparing with its use :) (I over applied the diamond spray on a felt paddle, and it swelled up to give a hump in the strop; stropping an extra-hollow razor on this lead to negative effects on the centre of the blade :( )

My level of skill in honing is not yet up to the excellent shave straight off the stones, but I am working on it !

Have some tests with your razor, and let us know what you find :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

A blade I've never made peace with, I tried 30 laps w/ the pasted paddle strop (about a 22" working length). 'Lopped hairs dutifully. So far, so good.
Minor small area face test: 'took multiple strokes (xtg/atg - 'cause the morning's shave still didn't leave much to work with). Entirely pleasing. Smooooth. I love that.

Phatman - I especially appreciate your input about the harder steels needing more laps. It certainly mirrors the need of the harder steels on the stones - makes sense. I've been paranoid to do too many laps, hearing it makes for a great, but fleeting edge. At least I can experiment on a lesser blade and see how it goes. I'll use that edge this morn. for a full shave.

Thanks Again!