When I use the paddle strop and .50 paste...

...do I need to re-paste it each time I use it? Especially after it has been unused for a period of time and the paste has dried out?
By the way, using the paddle strop and .50 paste for about 20-30 round trips then going to a hanging strop for about 50 round trips really did the trick for my brand new TI straight. I know I'll only need to use the paddle strop and paste when the hanging strop isn't sufficient but I also think the paddle strop and paste is going to make honing much less frequent.
When the paddle strop and paste followed by the hanging strop begins to lose its effectiveness I'll go to the 8000 grit side of my Norton water hone. Should I then go to the paddle strop and paste or directly to the hanging strop? Thanks.

Tom

Lots of questions there...don't reapply each time. The paste is supposed to dry out, thats how it cuts metal.

You can do either in any progression you like. I personally make a habit of always returning to the .5 but you don't have to, you may find though that a bit more pressure is needed when stropping and that the blade is not as sharp.

Just think of the .5 as a 50K hone

Take the hanging strop out of the equation, all it does is smooth out the blade it doesn't do any honing. So 8K, to 50K would give you a sharp edge and then lightly strop and it should be a sharp, smooth edge. You'll always use the strop regardless of what honing action you do prior.

AFD,

So, you're saying that in addition to a Vision, Merkur now makes a Plan and an Illusion. And the Vision wouldn't exist without both the Plan and the Illusion? Man, I'm confused!! And what does this have to do with honing?? LOL. Just kidding, just kidding. A really lame attempt at some humor, you see. ;)

Tom

Always clean your blade with rubbing alcohol or something similar after using the pasted strop and before going to the finishing strop so as not to contaminate your finishing strop with paste grit.

Currently, I always use the pastes after the Norton.

I also never use the 8000 side alone. For me it is essential to do at least 1-3 swipes on the 4000 side to create the new fins before smoothing them down on the 8000.

X

Quote:

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Originally Posted by straightman

AFD,

So, you're saying that in addition to a Vision, Merkur now makes a Plan and an Illusion. And the Vision wouldn't exist without both the Plan and the Illusion? Man, I'm confused!! And what does this have to do with honing?? LOL. Just kidding, just kidding. A really lame attempt at some humor, you see. ;)

Tom

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Tom,

You DE users are always quick witted! I'll never be able to keep up! :-)