Quote Originally Posted by finsfan
1. can u use the strop say after each 5th of 6th shave without damage to the razor?

2. do you have to apply paste again, or can u use what is remaining on the board after the first stropping? how can u tell when it is time to reapply the paste?

sam
Hi Sam .....

1. Unless you start off with a not quite keen razor each time, going back to the paste is more like a once-every-month-or-two event. If the razor is keen to start with, and you strop it carefully prior to each use on plain leather, and you are protective of the edge drying it and moving it about, the edge will stay keen perhaps one to several months. This depends on so many factors, including the steel of the razor to begin with, and your genetic disposition to scouring-pad-whiskers if that be the case.

2. Paste needs to be applied sparingly. Too little is better than too much. Otherwise the razor moves badly on the strop and accumulates paste as it travels, raising the edge off the leather. Cleaning off too much paste is a pain. That being said, only reapply the paste when it becomes really obvious it needs to be done. Then do so with reluctance. You don't need a solid, wall-to-wall color on the leather to have the paste be effective.