Thread: Diamond paste to strop

I have small cow hide strop made by Dovo. Nowdays I also have larger black latigo strop and my intention is to diamond paste this older small strop. I have previously applied some non-abrasive conditioner dressing to that strop and I was wondering that does the diamond paste absorb properly to previously greased leather? Should something be done before applying paste?

Why not try a little test spot and see if it sticks well. If not perhaps lightly sanding with 325 or so to renew the surface before applying the paste.

Your not really talking about "grease" are you? Conditioner or dressing or oil is absorbed so it should not be a problem. It also depends on what kind of paste you are using and the carrier it has. I know that Amplex changed the carrier and it takes forever to dry on the strop but it does dry.

is it a common practice to apply either diamond paste or CrOx to the linen side of a strop set or is this just stupid?

I have two identical el cheapo strops, made by Selective Strops

one is smooth the other has a grained surface- Shouldn't they be smooth?

Some guys do. I don't. I have two bench strops and I have diamond on one and CrO on the other and they are both leather. To me for those finishing strops smooth leather is the way to go. Maybe if you were going with a very coarse diamond, cloth or felt might be better.