Search:

I prefer paddle strops too, because they're easier to use, although they require more swipes.

I'm curious about your paste progression. 9 to 3 is like 1K to 8K. Don't you find that to be too big...

You don't need paste for a plain strop. You might want to add some conditioning paste occasionally to keep it supple.

Don't run out and get the Noton or any other expensive hone just to maintain...

the large chain drugstores, like CVS seem to have them.

If you're not going to restore Ebay razors, the minimum you need is a fine hone, like a Swaty barber hone for refreshing the edge (or a pasted strop). If you refresh the edge whenever it starts...