Gettin' "Pasted"

Another in a long line of newbie ???'s.

I've got Tony's 4 sided paddle strop and one of his #2 hanging strops (well, they aren't Tony's anymore, I paid him!). I like the way the 4 sided paddle is laid out with two somewhat rough surfaces, and two smooth surfaces (Tony, chime in if you want to properly explain what they are). Based on what I am reading and learning here, I feel that I also need a/some pasted strops. My thinking is to pick up a couple of Tony's "second" strops for using the pastes. A good way to go, or should I look on ebay for used strops?

RT

You're all set up now. Surely you don't need two identical sides unpasted. Paste as many sides of that strop as you need. That's what it's made for. Tony explained this on another thread, but I can't find it now. I think he does three sides with 1, 0.5 & 0.25 micron pastes and leaves side one free of paste for the final strop?

RT,
You should do a search for pasted strops, or paste. I know that this has been covered before somewhere. I think that the rougher sides of the paddle strop could be used for pastes. Why buy more if what you have will suffice for now? Maybe Tony will bring it to light.

Tim

P.S. What he said :rolleyes:

Randy,
The rough sides were designed for the more coarse pastes, 3.0 or 1.0 maybe. The tan smooth side is good for a 0.5 or 0.25 and the red latigo leather is for finishing.
I do feel hard paddle type strops are the way to go for pastes. Whether they be leather glues to wood, balsa or even MDF board covered with pastes you need the unyielding surface. I know they used pastes on hanging strops in the past but one needs to be very careful of rounding the edge because the strop is deflecting when stropping. Only the lightest touch would work I think and even they I worry about a rounded edge.
While I do make a natural untreated strop, my #3, I still would not suggest pasting it. You already have the tool for the job in my opinion. I made my untreated strops for the guys who already use pastes on hanging strops and have the feel for it or those who prefer a different finish. These can be treated with regular strop dressing, mink oil, Neat's Foot Oil, etc.... for a different feel and that is where they are best used.
My "seconds" are just ones that have some small cosmetic dings or small scratches that I would not sell as first rate. Just as usable but not what I want my logo on.
Thanks,
Tony

For what it is worth........There is a paste out there labeled "Mink Oil" that has SILICONE in it. Do not buy anything that has silicone in it. The silicone will coat the leather and keep the polishing paste from working into the leather preventing it from doing its job.

Bill Watkins

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Originally Posted by rtaylor61

Another in a long line of newbie ???'s.

I've got Tony's 4 sided paddle strop and one of his #2 hanging strops (well, they aren't Tony's anymore, I paid him!). I like the way the 4 sided paddle is laid out with two somewhat rough surfaces, and two smooth surfaces (Tony, chime in if you want to properly explain what they are). Based on what I am reading and learning here, I feel that I also need a/some pasted strops. My thinking is to pick up a couple of Tony's "second" strops for using the pastes. A good way to go, or should I look on ebay for used strops?

RT

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You seem to be all set. The hanging strop is your leather and the paddle your paste. With 4 choices, I would go 3, 1, .5, and .25. The grit equivalents are 8K, 14K, 50K and 100K. This should allow you to maintain any edge and make it super sharp. If you ever need to re-form an edge, you'll need a coarser grit, like a 3-4K (a stone would be best). If you plan on restoring razors, you could have a need for something coarser that will let form a new edge quickly. But on the rare occasions you need that you can use 1K grit sandpaper. There are some good ceramic stones available in the 3-4K grit range. I think a Spyderco fine may be there.

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Originally Posted by Tony Miller

Randy,
The rough sides were designed for the more coarse pastes, 3.0 or 1.0 maybe. The tan smooth side is good for a 0.5 or 0.25 and the red latigo leather is for finishing.

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I see. I thought he had 4 unfinished sides, like mine. In that case I would go 3, 1, .5. Those would be the most useful. If you ever develope a need for .25 paste you can always get another unfinished strop or a piece of leather.