Thread: Diamond Paste Questions

I'm thinking about trying some diamond paste like the stuff from classic shaving, but I have a couple of questions. Can it be used on a regular hanging strop or should I get a paddle or hand american flatbed type? Which should I start out with, the .5 or .25 micron? It will be used for finishing after a Norton 4k/8k. How is it applied to the leather?

Thanks!
Dan

Dan,
The diamond pastes work much better on flat paddle strops. I use them for all my sharpening so can't comment on which is best after a Norton but I use the 0.5 and 0.25 quite often to refresh a dulling razor. While you should not over strop on pastes I think going to a 0.25 fairly often will keep one from needing to go to coarser pastes as often. Maintaining a keen edge is easier than refreshing a dull edge.

Tony

I have a bunch of HandAmerican Flatbed hones. They are the best for me with any sharpening pastes. I also like the stand that they sit it. Makes it very easy to work with. Plus the owner, Keith, of HandAmerican is a great guy. Lynn

Thanks guys, I have an Illinois strop that will soon be replaced with a George G strop, so I was thinking about using that one. But the Hand American flatbed looks great too, I might get one of those instead.

Dan