No Tom. It's not just you. We're in the same 'ship of fools' together my friend. I will admit however that the day I hear the sound of machine gun fire in close proximity I'll be jumping ship...that's when I'll be worried! IYKWIM! :rolleyes:
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Never happen in CA, Mike! That stuff is illegal there! :D
Thebigspendur is correct regarding the handling of lead. It is toxic and it has been well documented. Lead it is true was a widely used product in the early 20th Century onwards. It has a low melting point and is malleable at room temperature. Used exclusively by plumbers and gas fitters for gas lines and flashing in roofs. But as also mentioned lead is a lubricant when heated. Most know that petroleum for your car used to have a lead content, that lubricated the engine system, replaced since the 80's with catalytic converters, hence 'Unleaded Petrol'. Lead is dangerous to handle on bare skin.
Bob
I hope you guys dont mind if I necro a year old thread for my first post but I've been curious about this method after reading those old barber honing guides and was thrilled to see that some of you have attempted it. I read most of the thread and not sure if it was mentioned already but my only concern would be lead particles released in the air while stropping and not so much any lead being left behind on the blade. I know that even stropping on CrOx for example or anything for that matter generates dust that I can physically sense myself being inhaled.
Go to the nearest grocery store and read the ingredients of any food product. The crap you eat is more harmful than a leaded strop. I've been stropping with leaded linen for years and it hasn't killed me yet.
I'm still with Benz on this difference of opinion about using a leaded strop. Been using it regularly since I started this thread 4 years ago, and will continue to do so. I love how it mellows my edges, and I'm sure that of all the environmental and food containments that we are exposed to daily, being poisoned by a leaded strop is way down my list of potential health dangers.
JMO folks...each to their own! :D
Lead definitely mellows the edge of a razor, had a few that were a little harsh after honing, couple of laps on the leaded strop and smooth as silk.
I was fixated on that Griffon strop aide, Tom sent up that lead bar and strop - still use it today, and was incredibly thoughtful of Tom, makes a significant difference in improving an edge IMO.
Grabbed this, in literally new condition, maybe a year or so ago, and am planning at some point to get some linen and use this strop tool:
The Gransen Metal Strop Preparer, lead on one side and pewter I believe on the other:
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Wow! That's an awesome find Andrew. I'm sure it's just like the Griffon. Probably use the lead side first and then the pewter to even it all out...that would be my guess. I can't wait to hear more about it after you use it. Be sure to post it up here.
And BTW...good to hear your still a fan of this method. That Tom's a great guy...for a Texecan that is! :rofl2::rofl2::roflmao:roflmao
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Truth be told Andrew, I'm way more of a "Texican" than a "Californican" as far as attitude goes in regards to almost any issue you can mention.