TM Paddle Strop - Paste

I've spent quite a bit of time looking around the forums about pasting strops, etc. However, I'm going to try to get a more direct answer to the questions I have.

I've put 3u, 1u, and .5u on three sides of my strop. I was thinking that Tony was going to provide enough paste for the first application, and about one subsequent application. (He's provided more than enough, that's not my 'problem')

Well, I've put a pretty even layer over each side and tried to get it as thin as possible. With the amount of paste that I've used, I have enough to do each edge approximately 5 to 10 times..???... Also, the layer is dry to the touch within a few minutes of the application.

Have I taken the 'less is more' advice too seriously? Should I go ahead and put a decent layer of paste on the strop. ie. go ahead and use closer to half of the paste that I received with Tony's strop. I feel good about adding small amounts of paste until I get it right, but on the other hand, I don't want to waste too much time experimenting. (I'm sure this is a lot better than putting too much and having to remove excess paste.)

I'm also a little confused about the solubility of these pastes. Water? Oil? Should I run a damp sponge over the area to help me spread the paste, etc?

Also, one area was dry enough within a minute of rubbing that the paste started rolling off the leather. (like eraser dust) I stopped myself and went back over the area to get the paste even again and left it alone.

One last question. I received some of chrisl's .5 Chrom Ox powder. Do I have to use an oil such as neats foot to make a paste, or are there other household alternatives. There's a couple of local leather shops, so it would be easy to find. Just more curious than anything.

Still a lot to learn, but I'm really enjoying the experience!

Carroll

If you can see the paste on the strop then you have put on enough.


Later,
Richard

Ideally a very thin, translucent layer is all you need. You should still see the leather through the paste as you only want the diamond abrasive embedded into the leather surface. any excess sitting on top will likely come off as you strop.

These are the same water soluble pastes supplied in the 5gr tubes as found elsewhere. Each of my containers should have about 1.5gr in it. Enough for two pretty heavy applications, 3 or 4 lighter, more useful applications. I needed to size these a little large in case I ever find time to finish my wide 3" Double Side paddles as they take twice as much paste per side.


Tony

Mixing the abrasives into a paste simply makes it easier to evenly apply.
For the chrome ox you can use GOOP hand cleaner, MInk oil, Neatsfoot oil, jergens hand cream, corn huskers lotion etc. A 50/50 mix is good. try creating one pea sized drop and applying that. let it dry then try it. To much of the paste will actually dull the edge. Less is more.

Hope this helps,:)

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