I've avoided pastes & sprays, preferring the more purist pursuit of skills w/ the rocks. Recent input says this may be ill advised, so I'm trying to learn what can be had from them. I understand its easy to use them incorrectly & draw false conclusions. Any help on finding the best threads on the topic or good reference material is greatly appreciated. I'm looking at:
" p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; } For reference, the softer the stropping surface the less the effect of the paste...

Felt
Webbing
Linen
Leather
Balsa
As you move through this list, IMHO you increase the possibility of getting a harsh edge..."


I'm hooked on smoothness, so that needs to be a priority. The questions:
a) can linen be adequately washed so that a previously used paste/spray is effectively gone, leaving a clean enough media for the next experimental slime.

b) I have some crayon crox already. and have looked at Josh Earl's thread about pasting a hanging leather strop. Is linen pasted the same way?
c) Is used slurry from a jnat still considered a good method to experiment with? Any techniques that work best?
d) If linen is not the hot tip, and smooth is still a priority - what other material would be recommended?

'Very much appreciate your kind help, Gents.