I'm fairly new to honing, but I'm getting a reasonably good edge from a coti followed by a few laps on a CrOx pasted strop. I'd like to try to get a little sharper edge. I realize my edges should get sharper as my skills improve, but I'm also curious about a few things regarding pasted strops.
  1. The CrOx pasted strop I have is what's left on the back of my Filly strop. While I haven't used it a ton, it does look like it's wearing. Question here is, how long before a pasted strop should be refreshed?
  2. I'm considering comparing the CrOx to a diamond sprayed strop and I've got several questions here.
    1. What do people think of the .25 diamond spray? Anyone use it? Does it really improve a .5 diamond spray?
    2. If I were to try a .25 diamond spray, can I go from the .5 CrOx or should I be sticking with diamond sprays?
    3. What micron should I start with? Since I'm getting reasonably good results with a coti and a .5 CrOx, is it safe to start at .5? I've read other posts suggesting to start at 1, then .5, then .25. Do I really need this full progression?
  3. Once pasted or sprayed, is it possible to clean a strop and use a different spray or paste or are you pretty much committed?
  4. What's the best (or perhaps it's better to ask what's the most common) medium to paste? I see SRD's got a combo paddle strop that looks like it's made for a progression of pastes and/or sprays that has felt and rough leather. What's the difference between felt and rough leather for pasting? Is one better than the other? Is it a matter that you use one in one instance and another in another instance?
Thanks for your help.