Thread: Does the pasted strop really reduce wear?

It seems that using a chrome oxide pasted strop allows me to go about a month between honings. However, when I do finally need to hone, I need to hone a lot to get my bevel back. (About 50 strokes / side on a cushioned strop hone, followed by finer polishing hones). So, is the pasted strop really saving any wear on the razor?

Empirically, the answer is yes. If I don't use the pasted strop at all, I have to give it 5 strokes / side before each shave. That's 150 strokes/month. The pasted strop keeps me at 50 strokes/month, which is 1/3 the wear.

But is it worth it?

Minimalism appeals to me. I'd like my shaving kit to consist of the minimal amount of equipment, devices, and contraptions. How long would it take to notice the ill effects of those extra 100 strokes/month? Will I be dead before then? And is it worth babying $10 razors?

Another wrinkle in the equation is that, for some as yet unknown reason, the first shave after honing is not the best shave. So I might actually be sacrificing shave quality if I gave up the pasted strop. But I'd have to experiment to know for sure, because the last time I was shaving without a pasted strop, I was also making a bunch of mistakes that I've since corrected.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on pasted strops? We've had one heretic so far recommend honing before every shave. Anybody else?