Thread: when to apply the diamond spray

i've just purchased a SRD strop and a bottle of diamond spray.
should i apply the spray on right away to the brand new strop OR do i wait until the strop wears out a little and then apply the spray at a later stage?
thanks

Speaking for myself I like to have one strop with no paste or spray and a separate paddle or hanging strop with paste or spray. Nice to have the option to use it when you want it rather then having to use it all the time whether you need it or not. The diamond spray is great stuff but IME I only use it under certain circumstances. I don't think it would be a good idea to strop with it on a daily basis. Just IMHO.

I shave mostly stainless. My plan is to use the .5 treated side of a felt strop once every 7 - 10 shaves. I am also getting a SRD premium strop which I plan to use with no treatment at all as my everyday strop.This is a work in progress but I will post results.

oh man , does this mean i'm gonna have to spend more money on another strop??

Originally Posted by travelwell72

oh man , does this mean i'm gonna have to spend more money on another strop??

Oh man!!! Wait wait...pull my finger!

Not necessarily.Lots of guys use a piece of balsa wood with chrom ox or diamond spray on it for touch-ups.You can get it at hobby shops.Quite inexpensive.Also,you can use a piece of good leather glued onto wood or just left hanging and put your spray on that.Keep checking the classifieds,as sometimes a guy will buy a leather strip,get too much, and offer his extra pieces.

things is Alan , i'm not experienced at SR shaving and me sticking a piece of leather onto a 2x4 and then stropping on it is just asking for trouble.
but the classified maybe a way to go for a second hand strop though.
will take a look
thanks

Being new to anything is intimidating. I just came back to, and re-read this thread. If it were me I would have one strop in pristine condition. Good quality, never treated. In getting acquainted with straights I have acquired an Illinois 127 that is now pasted black on the smooth side and red on the rough side. It is my go to baby for touch ups, and has never let me down. I also have an ebay cheapy that I applied diamond paste to because ( to me ) it is much more versatile and durable than balsa or newspaper. Again, for my purposes this turned out to be a great decision.

I would apply that diamond spray right away and allow it to dry. This is what I intend to do. Again, I will let everyone know in the review section how this turned out.

Your results will depend on how far you are willing to travel. Experiment. But to answer your question,yes, you are going to spend more in order to find out what is best for you.

i know, damn.. oh well, you've gotta spend your money some where right !!
anyway, decided to buy a paddle and i think it already has that diamond grit on one side but if it doesn't i'll just apply my spray on it.
i'll then have the SRD strop for day to day and inbetween touch up hones i'll use the paddle with the spray.
that sounds like a alright set up for a newbie?

Just wait. After the AD sets in you will understand.