Thread: Chromium Oxide Paste on hard linen

Lynn,
I applied it on my linen strop in an x pattern. It feels like concrete. Did I lay it on too heavy? Or should it just be "faintly" (if that's a word, I think you get my meaning) applied?

Originally Posted by cflaageriv

Lynn,
I applied it on my linen strop in an x pattern. It feels like concrete. Did I lay it on too heavy? Or should it just be "faintly" (if that's a word, I think you get my meaning) applied?

You should only put enough on to see the color on the linen. It should not feel any different than just the linen. You might want to scrape a little off before using it with something like a butter knife.

It has a nice feel and you can stroke it as you would your hone.

Sorry, but I'd like to ask for a little clarification. I don't mean to interrupt this thread, but as I read this and being not all that familiar with CrOx, (this is a beginner's question), when it's applied to a strop, don't you stroke and lead with the the spine, like regular stropping? Do you lead with the edge when it's on balsa?

Thanks very much for any clarification. I'm thinking of making a balsa pasted strop.

Originally Posted by oldsCool

Sorry, but I'd like to ask for a little clarification. I don't mean to interrupt this thread, but as I read this and being not all that familiar with CrOx, (this is a beginner's question), when it's applied to a strop, don't you stroke and lead with the the spine, like regular stropping? Do you lead with the edge when it's on balsa?

Thanks very much for any clarification. I'm thinking of making a balsa pasted strop.

Always spine leading like stropping for sure. Doesn't matter if it's on a strop or balsa.

If you hone with tape, and try and use the CrOx on balsa without tape you will not be touching the edge. You will be at a flatter angle and polish behind the edge.

Not to get off the subject but, for clarification, when you apply paste to balsa should you be using as if it's a hone, i.e., leading with the edge? I had no idea if that's the case. I mean, I read somewhere here that chro-oxde is abt. the equivelant of b/w 30k and 60k grit...so that would make sense, if that's the case.

Originally Posted by cflaageriv

Not to get off the subject but, for clarification, when you apply paste to balsa should you be using as if it's a hone, i.e., leading with the edge? I had no idea if that's the case. I mean, I read somewhere here that chro-oxde is abt. the equivelant of b/w 30k and 60k grit...so that would make sense, if that's the case.

See two posts above yours.

Thanks Blix, that's what I thought anyway. I read the message above those two...that'll learn me. If you don't mind me asking, what (other) benefit(s) does one get when using a balsa strop? When I first tried a pasted strop, I immediately noticed the effect. I just can't imagine there being any 'other' benefit w/ balsa. Unless, of course, the user is putting diamond paste on it - which rumor has it, is worth every cent.

I use both 1.0 diamond and .5 CrO2 on hard felt. I ordered a strop from SRD with two felt pieces. One is now a faint gray, and one a medium green color. These are my finishing "hones" and I like them very much in that role. After my 4k/8k routine with tape, I pull the tape and do 10 on the diamond and 15 on the CrO2. For touch ups, I typically do 5 on the diamond and 10 on the CrO2.

here's a related question: can I apply chromium oxide paste to one side of my linen strop, keep the other side clean, and use them both? my strop comes apart and I can reassemble it with either side out, so it seems like a fine idea to get the most options from my equipment. any reason this wouldn't work? or if I had to choose, would you recommend that I keep the clean linen or paste it, and why?