Thread: New to straight razors - pasting a TI strop paddle

Hey guys...I recently purchased a TI strop paddle and had an attempt at applying some CrOx paste to one side. I've seen many discussions saying not to apply much, but its hard to get a good feel for when enough is "enough". I feel as though I haven't applied much at all, but this stuff is hard to get an even application not matter how hard I rub it into the leather (the leather takes it up really quickly).

Attached is a photo of the strop in its current state. Does this look like a sufficient application?

Two thoughts, one, less is more in the beginning. You can always add more crox if you feel your razor needs it. It doesn't take much crox to accomplish the job. Two, the razor will distribute the crox over time and I've always enjoyed a lightly pasted strop over a heavy one. I usually use a pasted strop to smooth an edge after refreshing on a finishing stone.

Thanks for that Ozarkedger. Would you classify my first attempt as "lightly pasted"?

Is that the color of the leather or is it all CRoX? If so that's not lightly pasted, 3 x,s across that paddle would have been enough, tc

Yup, more than enough. The problem with over pasting is it makes a mess and gets all over. If you do not wipe the razor off, exceptionally well, you will paste you leather and linen strops. Once pasted, you will never get it all off, though WD40 will remove most of it from leather, and still leave enough to strop a razor.

The other issue is keeping your pasted strop free of contamination, do keep it in the box or make a paper or cardboard sleeve to protect and keep clean. Do mark the Chrome Oxide side and always store with only that side touching the Chrome Oxide.

Just make sure you are using razor quality Chrome Oxide. Some does need to be stirred well, prior to application.

Thanks guys.

Tcrideshd...the leather is black, and the green random marks is the CrOx. I did 4 light Xs across and a few other small dabs. Probably a bit too much by the sounds of it. Hopefully it's still useable.

Euclid440...thanks for the info. Eddy79 gave me some great advice the other week, so as a result my strops are all now well protected to avoid contamination.

Ok , good, cause from the picture it looked to be a solid dark green!! Tcc

Ah, I should have clarified that in my original post! Apologies.

I'll give it a crack and see how I go. Sounds like I might not be too far away from a suitable light application then?

Originally Posted by lmyers

Thanks guys.

Tcrideshd...the leather is black, and the green random marks is the CrOx. I did 4 light Xs across and a few other small dabs. Probably a bit too much by the sounds of it. Hopefully it's still useable.

Euclid440...thanks for the info. Eddy79 gave me some great advice the other week, so as a result my strops are all now well protected to avoid contamination.

It looks fine, in fact with that type of leather surface (you could probably use more). I took a Herold Solingen Russian Leather loom strop and literally painted one side with CrOx (to match the other side which is painted with FeOx) and it works great for me as a pasted strop. I use it after touching up on a BBW and Coti to smooth and mellow out the wicked sharp edges my BBW produces.