Thread: Paste Strop , Do I need One ?

Ok , I decided from the begining I was not going to get into Honing, I just dont want to be bothered with it just yet. I have no problem sending razors out to a hone or going 5 blocks away to Nun2sharps house if I need hone work.

My question is, should I get into a paste strop? What does the paste strop do, is it for touch up? Will it prolong me needing hone work?

Mike i am a little confused sorry. You want to have paddle strop and put paste on it? are you asking this? if yes then
answer to your question yes it will fresh up your edge and it will take longer time to between honing.
Now depends what type paste are you going to use too.
there is couple different ones diamond,chro2 etc. You need to choose it.
None2sharp help me make my balsa strop i use it for chro2.
hope this helps. gl

you can put pastes to hanging strop too but it will take time to learn how much pressure put etc when you use it.

Originally Posted by Mike257

My question is, should I get into a paste strop? What does the paste strop do, is it for touch up? Will it prolong me needing hone work?

Actually, as you continue to shave you will probably progress to a pasted strop as you replace your old ones.

A pasted strop continues the hone. It carries on an abrasive process that polishes the edge of the blade to its highest level of refinement.
The smaller the size of the abrasive, the keener the blade.

Stropping has a peculiar effect on metal. Instead of compacting, and scrapping away metal, it washes and finishes the blade much like a wave levels a shore.

Contrary to a popular myth you cannot over strop, and you will return to stone but the period between what I call a hard hone will be greatly reduced. As your proficiency builds that Chinese 12k will make a great paper weight.

I have as hanging strops, and use in progression, Red, Black, Crox, Diamond,
Yellowstone, Wool, Cotton, and Leather.

I also have AD!

Hope this helps.

I basically dont want to get into honing and am wondering what a pasted strop wll do for me.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Mike i am a little confused sorry. You want to have paddle strop and put paste on it? are you asking this? if yes then
answer to your question yes it will fresh up your edge and it will take longer time to between honing.
Now depends what type paste are you going to use too.
there is couple different ones diamond,chro2 etc. You need to choose it.
None2sharp help me make my balsa strop i use it for chro2.
hope this helps. gl

you can put pastes to hanging strop too but it will take time to learn how much pressure put etc when you use it.

Im thinking I might wanto to just buy another linen from TM and use it just for paste. Am I wasting my time or would this be a good accessory to have alone with my TM Latigo/Linen strop

Originally Posted by Mike257

Im thinking I might wanto to just buy another linen from TM and use it just for paste. Am I wasting my time or would this be a good accessory to have alone with my TM Latigo/Linen strop

The answer is a clear "maybe". You might find these two articles useful:

• Finishing Pastes - Straight Razor Place Wiki
• Easily make a pasted balsa strop - Straight Razor Place Wiki

wow, thank you , problem solved !

Originally Posted by Bladerunner

Contrary to a popular myth you cannot over strop.

I totally concur with this. I put 60 laps on the leather prior to my shave. However, if you put too much pressure on the razor during stropping you will roll the edge. Just enough pressure to keep it flat on the strop will do.

In answer to your question about "needing" a pasted strop. No, you don't need one. But it is a nice addition to refresh your edge occasionally. If your bevel was properly set to begin with you won't have to do another for years provided you don't damage the edge. Just refreshing your edge periodically with a finishing hone and/or a pasted strop will keep you going for a good long time.

Hello Mike. I would suggest a two sided paddle strop to extend your shaves between honings no matter who does them. I would get one with CrO on one side and either 1.0 diamond or 0.5 diamond on the other. They are easy to make and cost very little for what you get. Look at mine when you come to the meet. I have heard good things about hard felt and that would be my choice if I had to do it again.

bj

I prefer a balsa wood paddle strop to the pasted hanging strop myself. They are cheap and easy to make, too.

I have one pasted with chromium oxide from Chris L, and another pasted with the red < 0.5 micron paste from Karakoup1 in the classifieds. I really like what the two do to my edges.