Strop Paste

[Eventhorizon]

This may sound stupid to you guys,but why do you need to paste a strop?
I'm still new to this game so don't know.
And how long before I should get it honed after stropping?
And what stone and grit should I buy?

[MaritimeFanatic]

Hi Eventhorizon,

The short answer to your whole question is, well, there isn't one. Strop paste is for giving a razor that extra little bit after honing or if it is starting to get a little sluggish. It is simply abrasive particles that are applied to a strop and can really make the difference between a sharp blade and an "oh yeah!" blade. .5 chromium oxide is one of the staples and diamond pastes/sprays are great too. I resisted using them for a while, but then got some Crox. I should have done it from day one since it is simply great.

Pastes are not there to replace honing or stropping but they can help a lot. With regard to honing/hones and how long, that's a YMMV type thing. Some gents need to touch up their edges after a few shaves, some get many more before having to consider stones. A good strop with proper technique should make your razors edge last quite a long time.

I would highly recommend reading as much as you can around here and utilize the search fnction on the forum. There is a ton of great information here and with some time and patience you can learn more about straight razors then you thought you could!

[AFDavis11]

there are some non-grit pastes to keep your strop pliant and healthy over the years. There are many, many options with strop care and treatment.

[Eventhorizon]

Hi MaritimeFantastic,

Thank you,Your answer is very informative and just what us new guys need.

Cheers Neil.