Thread: TI and CrOx Paste

Hello everybody! The other day I used the Thiers Issard strop paste on the linen side of my 3" strop and I loved it. It definitely refreshed my razor. I have two razors purchased from SRD, a Ralf Aust 6/8" and a Dovo Best Quality 6/8". I used the paste on my Ralf Aust and it worked great, with a much smoother shave, so I need to get more familiar with it. However, some feel it is not that good or Chromium Oxide has better results. What do you think? Regardless I will try the CrOx. Lynn Abrams and others in previous posts feel that the CrOx has better results (and he is probably right because he is the Chief Honemeister). I've read several times that the TI has an equivalency of a 10,000 grit stone, what does the CrOx have? And generally how long does the TI paste last on the strop? I put the paste on the linen side of my 3" everyday strop so does it matter if I don't strop on unpasted linen/canvas/webbing? I do have a 2" strop with matched webbing that I could use for that, if it was recommended to me. Also, I've read that some using TI paste or another paste say they don't need to hone because they use the paste. I was under the impression you had to hone periodically no matter what. Looking forward to hearing from you fellow wet shavers.

I've used both the TI paste and crox with my razors. I was able to go about a year on a razor before it got to the point where the paste and crox couldn't quite bring it back. I used the TI. On an extra leather strop that I had, doing about 10-15 passes, then followed up with crox on balsa for 15 or so laps, then webbed strop followed by regular leather stropping. It worked pretty well for me and I was satisfied with what it could do.

Thanks Wxman2000, I'll look into that. I've also ran across people claiming that they strop on a pasted strop then the leather strop every time they shave. Most people that I've read say they only strop on a pasted strop every few shaves. Is it a good idea to strop on a pasted strop every time you shave?

I've not seen the need for it that much, maybe every few weeks at the most

Oh, and just so you are aware, I am by no means an expert!

Generally paste is used as a touch up. Used every week or two for 5-10 laps it will keep your razor sharp for a fair time. Crox is approx. 30k. Paste is usually applied to the back side of the strop or a strop intended for pastes only. 1 paste application will last a long time. Generally people don't use pastes every day simply because it is unnecessary.

Thank you Wxman2000 and eddy79. My main concern was that if used too much it would over-replenish or over sharpen the razor kind of like it can be easy to do with a honing stone.

You can only use it so many times before returning to the hones so doing it constantly would see you honing more frequently. A strop is all you should need day to day.

I've used both the TI paste and crox with my razors. I was able to go about a year on a razor before it got to the point where the paste and crox couldn't quite bring it back. I used the TI. On an extra leather strop that I had, doing about 10-15 passes, then followed up with crox on balsa for 15 or so laps, then webbed strop followed by regular leather stropping. It worked pretty well for me and I was satisfied with what it could do.

Is this a common thing to do?

You have to find a maintenance schedule and paste that works for you and your face. Your skin, beard, razor and technique are unique to you.

The plain webbing, nylon or linen are for cleaning the razor before you strop on your pasted or plain leather strop to keep from contaminating you strops with hair, skin, soap and oxidation left on your razor after shaving.

A razor can be maintained indefinitely with paste and leather stropping, depending on technique. I have maintained razors, stropped daily on Cerium or .10 CBN for over a year with great results, no leather.

It really is about finding the right combination that works … for you.