How do you make such a big mess with it? Sneeze into the tub after you open it? Here's how I add more chromium oxide to my strops:

1. Tap chromium oxide container on counter to tamp it down
2. Slowly open container.
3. dab round puff ball thing (like the white fuzzy ball on the end of a christmas santa hat) in chromium oxide.
4. Rub on strop.

You don't need to mess around with mixing it with oil or whatever other crazy stuff is being done today. It's not necessary. I've got no idea who started the whole mix with oil thing, but you don't need it. Chromium oxide is about half of a micron. I'm sure whatever you are putting the CrO on has PLENTY of little nooks and crannies that .5 micron thingies can settle into just fine without oil.