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

Careful guys...lead is pretty toxic stuff...handle with caution...even trace amounts can be harmful.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

Careful guys...lead is pretty toxic stuff...handle with caution...even trace amounts can be harmful.

Have been using a lead dressed strop for 2 years no problems, just wish I could remember where I left it....

Originally Posted by Whizbang

Careful guys...lead is pretty toxic stuff...handle with caution...even trace amounts can be harmful.

Thanks - we went through this last two threads on this subject.....and aside from losing a few teeth and most of my hair...I'm good, lead had nothing to do with it!

Yes, that always comes-up. That is why I hesitate to recommend it, but I think with some precautions, it is fairly safe.
The sanding part is sketchy, Why I go outside over the bin to do it. Toss the scrap of sandpaper right then and wash hands.
I also apply it to the strop outside, personally. All the things I have been exposed-to in my life, I dunno.
Balanced lots of tires and cut many a wheel-weight. Mashed many a split-sinker with my teeth as-fishing.
Does not seem to be as risky as many things I have done. It is definitely a personal decision to mess with anything hazardous.

Here is the wrapped-up version...



As to the green....CroOx has been used as a dye forever. I suppose where there is green left, there is CroOx left?
How much is a good question...

BTW, There is a time and place for CroOx and FEOx for me, at times.
Good stuff, if used properly. JMHO.



All these things are quite light. I don't think diamond paste is the way to go, however.
Again, JMHO

OH GOD! I'm going to DIE!

Damn I wish I never handled all those bullets for reloading all that ammo! And Damn Dad for killing all those Geese, Pheasants, Quail with those lead shots from that Model 12 Winchester shotgun that we picked out when our teeth crunched down on them after Mom had cooked them!

Sorry if I've offended anyone, it's just that mankind has been using and handling 'Lead' for centuries. I believe that with 'Reasonable Care' and 'Minimum Exposure' the use of lead shouldn't pose any danger.

With that said; I don't use and don't intend on using lead on any strop.

In fact, I only have one strop dedicated to CrOx and I rarely use it.

Well guys, after seeing the warning from Whizbang, I did some research about how lead interacts with the human body. Now I have a theory, just a theory mind you of what happens when you shave. You remove the top layer of skin every time you shave, I think.

When you strop with a lead induced strop, it gets on the razor. You can wipe it off but there are still microscopic trace elements left over. You introduce that razor to your skin and the trace elements transfer to the top of the layer of skin you just shaved off. Over a long period of time this lead builds up and causes heavy elements of lead to build up causing lead poisoning. Pretty horrible from what I read.

So in the interest of health, I'm going to pass on this opportunity and stay where I'm at. It was an exciting exercise, but a little voice told me to steer clear of this. The last time I didn't listen to this little voice warning me, I damn near didn't make it back to the US.

Wish you all the best with what works for you. Thanks but I'm folding.

With the variety of razors passing through, some like things out of the ordinary, it seems. Everything gets the lead-strop off the hone, CroOx, and/or FEOx around here before hitting the leather. It just plain smoothes the edge out.
If you have not tried it, you just don't know.

Well. I never set anything I say in stone. What works for me may certainly not work for others. Some are a bit more into fine-tuning than others. Some like doing things an old way. Some, a new way.
One thing is certain, as in all things.....It's YMMV! I am happy with my mileage. All that matters to me!

Don't count on me participating in any more lead-strop discussions, BTW.
I can always go home and say something to the wife and be told I am wrong!

Good Luck! Have fun!

I was told by someone who hones professionally that you should always finish on CrOx. At the time, which was early on in my honing experience, I was very confused. Here was my thought process, If you take a razor and bring it up through the grits, finish on a Naniwa 12k and then hit it with 10 passes on CrOx. Now take an identical razor, bring it up through the grits and finish it on that Escher you paid $700 for, then do the same and hit the CrOx with 10 passes..... Now don't you have the same edge on both razors????? What's the point in even having the Escher????

In my mind, the only time CrOx needs to be used is in conjunction with a synthetic hone, or for a guy trying to bring back an edge that has been slightly dulled.

Stropping on CrOx after a natural stone defeats the purpose of even having a natural stone. At least in my mind...... JMO of course.

Eh guys? Eh guys watcha think?

Sorry I jumped away from the lead talk. Never tried it but I love putting it on my toilet paper.

Lotsa variables involved, Andrew. Too much of anything is a bad thing.
Not enough of a good thing is also bad.

Be careful if you say you are not always brilliant right off your rocks. So very many are always perfect.
No matter what you are working with. Always perfect!
You could be run out of town on a rail!