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I have searched the forums for an answer to this question mainly because JoshEarl's great picture tutorial about creating a pasted strop mentions that "it's best to avoid trying to paste latigo".
I have a TM latigo practice strop that is not getting much use anymore so I thought I'd put it back in service unless there is a good reason not to. So... what are the disadvantage of putting chromium oxide on a latigo strop?
Thanks,
Ray
I asked Tony M. about this a few months ago. If I remember correctly, he indicated that the conventional thinking is that the waxes and whatnot in the latigo would not hold the paste well. Other types of leather are generally thought to be better for pasting. Tony, please correct me if I misunderstood.
However, if you're not doing anything with it, why not give it a try? If you do, please let us know how it goes.
Jordan
Here's your perfect solution and one that I've personally tried, tested and used for a TM red latigo strop:
Don't use "paste". Just rub some dry .5 micron chromium oxide powder into the surface. It takes it perfectly and the chromium goes nowhere. A powder that fine will adhere to most any surface whether you like it or not. Aside from balsa which responds well to light oil mixed with chromium, I've found that other mediums such as leather or newspaper work best by just rubbing in dry powder.
I've found with chrome ox on hanging strops you have to be very careful and mindful of your slack. If you slack the strop too much, the chrome ox will round the edges of your razors in a heartbeat and be counterproductive.
I hope that helps.
Chris L
Just a little hint here for pasted leather hanging strops..... Almost any shoe repair shop has leather, I priced out some at $10 for a 3 inch by 36 inch with the D rings and swivels and Chicago screws you come out at about $18 and 20 minutes of time to make your own pasted hanger as long as you feasibly want it...
Here is a thread of the first one I made http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...own-strop.html
One of the huge pluses on this set up is that with a simple clip I can reverse the strop so that it wears evenly.....
What I am saying here is keep that Latigo for plain stropping :D
So I actually was just wondering the same thing yesterday. I added red paste to an old latigo strop and I think I put it on too thick. It seems to be holding the paste fine but I'm not sure how thick it should have been. I just ran a bead down each edge and rubbed it in with my finger. It smoothed out well but when I actually used it...well it was a thicker layer than it looked.
Guidance would be appreciated....
I can only speak for chrome ox when it comes to application to stropping media. Tje amount needed is very small. A very light tint and it doesn't have to cover the entire surface it just needs to be rubbed in very well. I initially rub a large X and then up and back up and back repeatedly to work it in. That's it.
Chris L
As well as posting to this forum (thanks to all for your responses :)) I wrote to Tony Miller to see if I could get a direct response. Here is my email to him and his reply:
> Hi Tony,
> I have your latigo/horsehide combo strop. You do beautiful work! [/COLOR][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
> I am needing to do some pasted strop work for my razors. Since I also
> have one of your latigo practice strops, I'd like your opinion about
> applying chromium oxide to the practice strop. I read on an SRP thread
> that pasting latigo is not recommended.
> What do you think?
* While not suggested it will work. The latigo contains oils and waxes and
* most pastes are water based so you may not get the best bond. I would
* not buy Latigo specifically to paste it but if you already own one go
* for it.
* Less is more with pastes. A think translucent dusting is better than a
* solid layer.
I then replied as did Tony, as follows:
> Thanks for the reply. I was going to follow JoshEarl's advice from the
> SRP stropping sticky and use neatsfoot oil to mix with my chromium oxide
> powder. Maybe that will bond better.
* If you are starting with powder it should be easy. if the strop you have has an oily feel the powder may bond will
* just as it is. if not a little neat's foot oil would do the job. I was thinking commercially packages pastes which are
* typically water based.
I appreciate that Tony told me why, and it makes sense. I didn't know that latigo strops were treated with oils and wax, so it makes sense that a water based chromium oxide paste wouldn't work. I tried a tad with some Neatsfoot oil on my strop tonight. Let's see how it goes. I'll be following the rest of the advice I heard, "less is more", and "pull it tight".
Thanks, as always, to all. Since I only know straight shavers virtually, you guys are essential to my conversion and the conversion of the rest of the world! Straight shavers unite!
Ray
Ray,
Thanks. It should work just fine but due to the oily/waxy finish I would not suggest buying one specifically to paste as a plain leather surface is better. I know some guys have used water based pastes too but I just feel they will not bond quite as well. I occasionally make horsehide strops just for pastes as some hides come stained and not usable for first quality strops. if pasting though surface quality, not looks is what matter so my cosmetically challenged horsehide ones are perfect.
Tony