Number of strokes on diamond spray?

[The_Pastor]

So I got the modular paddle - a thing of great beauty, quality and functionallity.

I have 3 wool felts, with 1.0 micron, 0.5 micron and 0.25 micron diamond spray on them,

How many strokes do you recommend for each felt?

[Stubear]

I dont have the 1m or the 0.25m sprays, but I when finish honing all I do is 10 strokes on the 0.5m diamond spray on denim, and 5 strokes on CrOx.

From what I've read and experienced with my razors, these pastes seem to work better with fewer strokes rather than more, so only do a few strokes on each. Then strop and test shave. If that doesnt do it, then do a few more strokes and retest.

[The_Pastor]

I dont have the 1m or the 0.25m sprays, but when finish honing all I do is 10 strokes on the 0.5m diamond spray on denim, and 5 strokes on CrOx.

From what I've read and experienced with my razors, these pastes seem to work better with fewer strokes rather than more, so only do a few strokes on each. Then strop and test shave. If that doesnt do it, then do a few more strokes and retest.

If I do too many strokes on the diamond, do I need to go back to the hone again?

[Stubear]

These sprays are abrasive, so it is possible to dull an edge with too many strokes. If you do too many strokes and overhone (for want of a better word! ) then you'll need to go back to the hones and resharpen the blade.

You'll be able to tell because when you test shave, the razor will pull or be uncomfortable to use, or simply wont remove the bristles well.

These sprays are literally just the final polish at the end of the honing to give that really smooth edge that will mean a great shave. As Lynn says, less strokes is better..!

[PhatMan]

Pastor,

It is possible to ruin an edge with 0.5 micron diamond. I have done it

I over applied the spray on a felt paddle and it swelled up in the middle.

I gave my Genco Fluid Steel 20 laps (no X strokes) on this, and the 'hump' in the strop removed enough steel in the middle of the blade to ruin the edge. Had to get the Genco re-honed !

When they work, these sprays work well, though I still do some laps on a CrOx paddle afterwards, as the edge is a little harsh for me straight off the diamond.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

[zib]

I use SRD's .50 Diamond Spray on wool felt and on an old NOS Linen Strop. I rotate them. I do 10 strokes, one time per razor. I use a Barber's hone too. This keeps me from honing for some time...Repeated use of any paste or spray can eventually dull the edge, and you'll need to hit the rocks....