Felt Strop (try searching that for information!)

So, I ordered some crox and ceox from gratewhitehuntr, but immediately after, someone posted about more tubs of crox coming up for sale. So, I've got both.

I want to make a pasted paddle, but haven't decided on the material. From what I've seen so far, people are recommending the SRD Pressed Wool hanging strop. It looks real nice, but is out of my budget for now.

So, I'm a huge proponent of searching for answers that have already been posted. I search for felt strop. Hmm, not very specific.




So, question: Would any sort of "felt" (like craft type felt) be suitable for a pasted paddle, or should I just do denim or something like that?

We (read:me) are looking for a low-buck solution here.

Do a search for balsa. Guys get good results with that from what I hear though I haven't tried it myself.

I've tried a couple times to contact gratewhite about some of the cerium oxide, and have never heard back from him. Was it something I said?

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Originally Posted by bassguy

I've tried a couple times to contact gratewhite about some of the cerium oxide, and have never heard back from him. Was it something I said?

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Bad breath? :)

In all seriousness, I'd love some good reviews on cerium oxide. I have this place bookmarked in case I wanted to make my own combination paddle strop.
Stropping Supplies

Dave

Here is an idea mentioned by others that I have tried and like. Get a hold of some tempered glass strips or flat tile strips and stick paper tape to the surface. Then load the paper with CrO powder or mist it with diamond spray. Any paper surface might work, but the better first-aid tape like 3m micropore is very stable and won't shrink or wrinkle with room humidity changes.

Attachment 27024

Attachment 27025

that's pretty slick looking!
I have a hand american strop system that is similar: magnetic base that magnetized leather or pressed felt strip sticks to. I have some Chromium Ox I've been using on newspaper and tile, I'm holding out on the cerium to use on the felt strip... :w

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Originally Posted by bassguy

I've tried a couple times to contact gratewhite about some of the cerium oxide, and have never heard back from him. Was it something I said?

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Get in touch with him again -- I just ordered some cerium last night from him.

thanks, done and done.

So, I decided to just go for it. The paddle itself (inc. handle) is 30", the pasted surface is 24". I used black craft felt for the pasted surface, which I attached with 3m super77 spray adhesive.

I rubbed a VERY small amount of mineral oil into the entire felt surface, and LIGHTLY sprinkled the CrOx powder over the surface and rubbed it in (with gloves on) thoroughly.

After drying, I tried it out on a couple of my first razors, ones I had perhaps stropped improperly. They were no longer giving good shaves. After 15 laps on CrOx and 20 on leather, I was shocked by the improvement.

Took a dull-ish razor back to shave readiness (by my inexperienced standards)

I have about $17 in this setup (including the whole $15 tub of CrOx).

I would highly recommend this setup.

Pics will be up soon.

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Originally Posted by slipangle

After drying, I tried it out on a couple of my first razors...

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Sounds very promising! But, what dried? Did you apply it as paste, then powder?

Bassguy, glad you caught that. I rubbed a TINY bit of mineral oil into the felt before applying CrOx powder. We're talking just enough to get the black nitrile gloves "glisteny".

I might re-think doing that, as stropping with this setup leaves a very faint greenish tint to the blades. Mineral oil+CrOx residue. Degreasing with dish soap solves the problem. However, this strop isn't messy. It doesn't shed powder or anything else, for that matter. To oil or not? Your thoughts are invited.

Here are some pics. 1/2" Baltic Birch, black craft felt 3"X24", 3M Super77 spray adhesive, Mineral Oil, and CrOx.

(Made a ridiculous mistake while routing the roundover on the perimiter. Forgot to check the allen screw that holds the bearing in place. It came loose, the bearing parted ways with the bit, and I effed up the handle area. I ALWAYS check that....excitement got the best of me.)

Attachment 27120

Attachment 27122

Attachment 27121



I received a ebay purchase, which included a razor (Wosty) that was most definitely NOT shave ready, or even shaveable for that matter. I ran 40 laps on the CrOx, 60 on leather and lo and behold, she shaves!

Not the sharpest one I've got, but she went from "cant even cut arm hair" to "mm, she's tugging a little" with 40 laps on there.

In the lot I got, there is what appears to be a barber's hone...maybe time to learn that aspect of SR shaving... but that's for another post in another part of the forum.

The pressed hard felt has a different surface and overall consistancy from the craft type felt that I have seen so I am curious to hear how it does on a long term basis. Please post a follow up at some point.

As an FYI, you can buy a hard felt replacement element for a hanging strop from SRD for about $15 (in a 2" width) if you are in the mood to try making another paddle or a hanging strop. It might be long enough to make two paddles.

Argh, that was the answer I was looking for before I put this thing together. No problem though. It just took a few minutes to put together.

Hmm, I may order some pressed felt from SRD for the CeOx...

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Originally Posted by slipangle

Argh, that was the answer I was looking for before I put this thing together. No problem though. It just took a few minutes to put together.

Hmm, I may order some pressed felt from SRD for the CeOx...

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Yeah. And tighten that bearing screw this time!:)

Very efficient of you to create a combo strop and cricket bat!

You never know when you might be at a cricket game while sharpening razors, and the world champions may have had every bat break...

I've always wanted to be a hero...


I stopped by a fabric store today and had a gander at their felt selections. They had no pressed wool type, rather a synthetic. I bought some, and will be making a second paddle (after triple checking the bearing) for the CeOx.

Should be made Sunday-ish. I'll be trying it the next day, and will be back with pics and results.

You mentioned the wool strop from SRD. I have one of those I got at the Missouri meet and I really like it. It works well with the .05 Diamond spray. It has a consistent feel and refines an edge well.