Thread: To Paste or not to paste...that is the question

So Wolfpack34 - I am hesitant to try this but I have this want to try this out. I have a vintage bull linen and leather paddle strop. I also have some pure lead. I just take this and rub it on the linen side until it turns dark, correct? What about the leather side - Same way?

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

I'm with Phrank! I've been using a 'lead bar' on a linen strop for 3 years now as part of my stropping routine and I honestly have not had to go back to a stone on any razor since. It really works!

Here is a link if your interested:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...-pictures.html

I am really liking it on the leather side of my dedicated strop as well. If you read through the thread that Mike linked-to, the lead will go back to white on the fabric as it oxidizes, yet seems to keep it's color on the leather. JME.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I am really liking it on the leather side of my dedicated strop as well. If you read through the thread that Mike linked-to, the lead will go back to white on the fabric as it oxidizes, yet seems to keep it's color on the leather. JME.

Hey Tom! I surmise it's the oils in the leather that keeps the lead from oxidizing on the leather as opposed to the linen strop. My experience mirrors yours on the leather strop I've rubbed with lead as well.

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

So Wolfpack34 - I am hesitant to try this but I have this want to try this out. I have a vintage bull linen and leather paddle strop. I also have some pure lead. I just take this and rub it on the linen side until it turns dark, correct? What about the leather side - Same way?

Rub it on the linen till it turns dark, you may have to apply a few times, but no biggie, and strop away.

I'm positive you'll be pleased with the results in terms of getting a nice edge, and at the worst, you'll have a nice shiny razor!!!

Originally Posted by Phrank

Rub it on the linen till it turns dark, you may have to apply a few times, but no biggie, and strop away.

I positive you'll be pleased with the results in terms of getting a nice edge, and at the worst, you'll have a nice shiny razor!!!

Thank You Phrank! I'll give it a shot and let's see what happens. I'll let you know either way...

Make certain the lead is smooth with rounded corners. It loads better for me if I take the lead out over the bin and rough it up a bit with a scrap of sandpaper. Toss the paper, wash hands!
Here is what Phrank and I are using...



TBH, I use it mostly only after honing and before the leather. Really smooths out the edge.

Sharptonn - Got it. I will round mine just like yours and try it. I cleaned off my linen side but there is just a hint of CrO on it still. Just a very light green tint. Do you think that will affect it?

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

Sharptonn - Got it. I will round mine just like yours and try it. I cleaned off my linen side but there is just a hint of CrO on it still. Just a very light green tint. Do you think that will affect it?

Tom also wisely taped all parts of the lead piece so your fingers actually never touch the lead - which was excellent thinking on his part.

The only part that is exposed is the rounded part that contacts the strop.

Couple of lateral rubs on some sandpaper to rough it up each time, and it easily goes onto the strop.

Thanks for the heads up Phrank. I completely forgot about the duct tape!

Originally Posted by Phrank

Tom also wisely taped all parts of the lead piece so your fingers actually never touch the lead - which was excellent thinking on his part.

The only part that is exposed is the rounded part that contacts the strop.

Couple of lateral rubs on some sandpaper to rough it up each time, and it easily goes onto the strop.

The lead intrigues me. I have CrOx on a paddle that I used to use after honing and before linen and leather. I also have a felt hanging strop that I treated with some optical grade cerium oxide, and I used to use it daily, and the. I got a new strop that rapidly became my favourite and the rest is history. I may have to get the lead out on this one.
:-)