Thread: pasted strop after the yellow

Right now I use the pasted strop with red paste after I used the yellow Belgian for finishing.
Does that make sense?

12K grit is supposed to be 1 micron, so unless the red paste is finer than that (doubt it) wouldn't it make the edge worse instead of better? Especially since the coticule is flat, and the pasted strop allways sags a tiny bit?

Bruno, I don't think red's giving you any benefits after using the coticule. 0.5 would be a more natural step.

I'm new on this...but I think the red paste is beteween 2 and 4 microns

I agree, the red is likley more coarse or equal to the Coticule. Probably more in like with an 8K stone. Skip the paddle or use a 0.5 micron abrasive on it.

Tony

I've heard that pasting strops should be flat on a table/countertop to prevent curling the edge. I guess that this is why paddles are used for pasting. Something to consider maybe.

Regards,
Zig

Zig,
Most paddles and bench strops are used just like this. Bruno has an old style loom paddle where the leather is stretched over a metal frame and sadly is able to curl on the sides.

Tony

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

Zig,
Most paddles and bench strops are used just like this. Bruno has an old style loom paddle where the leather is stretched over a metal frame and sadly is able to curl on the sides.

Tony

Yep. As soon as Tony's package arrive with my new strop, I will cut the leather from the loom and glue it to a thick piece of glass, sand the sides and use it as a travel strop or something.

The pasted side is still OK, but as I just found out, it is doing more bad than good after the coticule. Still, it might have some uses. perhaps I can clean it of and use 0.5 micron chromium oxide

Okay, good deal. I thought you were using a hanging strop in which case it could be a problem.
Regards,
Zig

Zig,
I agree on the hanging strop point. I know years back there were "sharpening" strops but one would have to be very careful not to round over an edge. I think a hard backed piece of leather a wiser choice for abrasives.

Tony