Thread: Just because it cuts a hair doesn't mean...

Originally Posted by Birnando

Str8fencer, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of paste are you using and on what kind of fabric/leather do you use it?

I'm actually using an old trick, not a regular paste. A prepared strop might be a better description. I use lead from a pencil, on just a cheapo leather strop, first applied to a scrap of paper and then the paper rubbed lightly against the strop. It is quite fine, I believe I heard it could compare to something like 50k. Don't take my word for that tho - but it is a fine grit indeed. Comparing to a regular strop paste I can understand it sounded unusual, I should have specified in my original post.

Originally Posted by str8fencer

I'm actually using an old trick, not a regular paste. A prepared strop might be a better description. I use lead from a pencil, on just a cheapo leather strop, first applied to a scrap of paper and then the paper rubbed lightly against the strop. It is quite fine, I believe I heard it could compare to something like 50k. Don't take my word for that tho - but it is a fine grit indeed. Comparing to a regular strop paste I can understand it sounded unusual, I should have specified in my original post.

Thank you for the explanation!
I've heard of other similar solutions to yours on here a few times actually.
I should probably try something like this out for myself, it sounds like a very doable project.
And God knows I have strops enough...

Originally Posted by Str8Faace

Thanks for all the info guys! I know some of this has to do with my technique. I had just honed the razor on my finishing stone so it needed a little extra work. My strop doesn't hit the middle of the blade when stropping so I have to lightly "ride" part of the edge of the strop. I'm getting a lot better and last time I stropped, I really took my time which resulted in less passes.

Why is the strop not hitting the middle of your blade when you strop?

I would generally think that a well honed razor will cut a hair. The strop gives good alignment and polish to the edge. I have used regular newspaper as well for putting a bit more polish on edges/bevels.