Thread: Question about a strop paste.

Okay, so my strop in leather on both sides (it's two pieces of leather).
So I'm thinking I may put a strop paste on the one leather side, just so I don't need to go to a hone for the occasional 'touch up'.
Do the experienced out there think this is a good idea?

I'm thinking if I did this I wouldn't need a strop paddle with strop paste on it, as, if I require more of a 'touch up' than the reverse 'pasted' side of my strop can provide, I'll just go to the hone as it shouldn't need to be a regular occurrence.
Correct?

Also what paste would you recommend, that is, if you recommend me pasting the one side of the strop.
Would this be adequate for the kind of 'touch up' I'm talking about. Or do you recommend something coarser, or finer, or a different kind/brand?
[link to the paste I'm referring too]
Dovo Razor Strop Paste: Red Tube - Men's Biz

Also is this stuff a good option for maintaining the condition of the leather?
http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=105
If not what product or technique do you recommend?

I have a paddle strop with CrO paste. Others use the linen side of the strop. There are many who use either a diamond paste or a CrO paste. Thoise who use them swear by them...

If the leather no longer works my touch up preference is a polishing hone followed my minimal light strokes on a CrO pasted paddle & then same with jewellers rouge on a paddle.

I'd save my leather hanger (both sides) for stropping. You don't need good quality leather for paste.
No doubt one side is a 'finish' side. Do not paste that one with abrasive paste.
A leather paddle is easily made & some ppl simply use balsa for their CrO.

This is my leather care choice Oakwood Products
You can buy the kit at 'Woolies' or just buy a tube of conditioner on line for $10 or so.

Pasting a hanging strop:
One of the best things you can do for your edges, or one of the worst....
It will either be great or it will take an edge right off yer razor there really is no inbetween....

I really, really, don't recommend pasted hanging strops for the inexperienced.....

Oh and the Dovo red is pretty heavy duty get yerself .50 Cr if you decide to go this way

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Pasting a hanging strop:
One of the best things you can do for your edges, or one of the worst....
It will either be great or it will take an edge right off yer razor there really is no inbetween....

I really, really, don't recommend pasted hanging strops for the inexperienced.....

Oh and the Dovo red is pretty heavy duty get yerself .50 Cr if you decide to go this way

and remember to use very little pressure if any when stropping both on the paste and the leather..........

Lynn

Originally Posted by onimaru55

I'd save my leather hanger (both sides) for stropping. You don't need good quality leather for paste.
No doubt one side is a 'finish' side. Do not paste that one with abrasive paste.
A leather paddle is easily made & some ppl simply use balsa for their CrO.

How can you tell if one side is a 'finish' side, because I can see or feel any discernible difference.

Also, where would I get a paddle strop? Or how can I make one?

Originally Posted by GuybrushThreepwood

How can you tell if one side is a 'finish' side, because I can see or feel any discernible difference.

Also, where would I get a paddle strop? Or how can I make one?

Usually stamped or otherwise marked as 'Finish' at top or bottom.

Too simple, get a flat piece of timber, the size you want and glue some leather to it.
My one proves they don't have to be pretty

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Usually stamped or otherwise marked as 'Finish' at top or bottom.

D'oh. How could I miss the writing that said finish,I'm an idiot.
So when stropping do I use the other-side, or the finish side (which is the top side), or should I do a few laps on both sides?

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Too simple, get a flat piece of timber, the size you want and glue some leather to it.
My one proves they don't have to be pretty

Is there any particular leather I should be using?

Can't really comment on the other side without tying it. Some strops have a 'Sharpen' side & a 'Finish side'. As long as it's not abrasive coated it shouldn't hurt to try a few licks on the other side & check the 'draw' but just use the 'Finish' side on a freshly honed razor for the first few shaves..

Any smooth leather is ok for a paddle 2-4mm is ok. You can give it a sand with some 1200 wetndri to raise a nap and/or smooth any imperfections. Thoroughly clean before use with an old toothbrush or microfibre cloth or whatever works.