I have been wanting to start using Chromium Oxide paste as part of my honing procedure. This thread has really helped get me going.

I bought a bottle of the Green Chrome Oxide from Keith at Hand American. I've been thinking about perhaps applying it to a paddle on the leather. I have been using .25 & .5 micron Diamond pastes on leather & balsa wood paddles. I haven't been too crazy about the effects of the diamond pastes on my edges.

I just received a 2-1/2" Red Heirloom Latigo w/Genuine Linen from Tony. I decided I would put the Green Chromium paste on the linen of this new strop. My thinking was that it would just work better than on a paddle. What a great decision this turned out to be! I read Josh's words several times about applying this stuff lightly. - and I did exactly that. This was yesterday.

This morning I pulled out a Puma that I had just received from an Ebay auction. I had polished and sharpened this razor, but was not really satisfied with my 1st shave with it. I figured this would be a great candidate for my trial razor on my new Green pasted linen strop. I gave it 40 laps on the green pasted linen, cleaned the edge with alcohol, and put it through my normal stropping sequence. As I made the1st pass with the razor on the right sideburns, I said, "Oh, my God!" - Yes, I experienced one of the best shaves I have had to date. The Puma was not only extremely sharp, but comfortable and smooth. Absolutely great!

Thanks, Josh!

Steve