Thread: Diamond Spray on Felt vs. CrOx on Balsa

I did some searching in the strop forum, but couldn't quite find what I was looking for, my appologies if I missed it and has been discussed.

I've ordered the modular paddle, which comes with .5 micron diamond spray, which I plan on applying to one of the felt pieces. And because I like little projects, i'm nearly done building a balsa paddle strop and am planning to apply .5 micron CrOx to it.

The question(s): Can I expect a large difference between the two in how they touch up the blade, could/should one be used prior to the other, or am I just splittin' hairs?

Thanks,

Moe

hmmm.. Test each and see which you like better. Only suggestion i have.

Originally Posted by Moe

I did some searching in the strop forum, but couldn't quite find what I was looking for, my appologies if I missed it and has been discussed.

I've ordered the modular paddle, which comes with .5 micron diamond spray, which I plan on applying to one of the felt pieces. And because I like little projects, i'm nearly done building a balsa paddle strop and am planning to apply .5 micron CrOx to it.

The question(s): Can I expect a large difference between the two in how they touch up the blade, could/should one be used prior to the other, or am I just splittin' hairs?

Thanks,

Moe

Moe,

I've used a small amount of diamond spray on the felt pad of my SRP modular paddle strop and it worked just fine to sharpen my str8 razor. Ten laps was all it took.

I have yet to use CrOx, but some SRP members seem to think that it imparts a smoother sharpened edge than the diamond spray.

Whatever you do, don't use a lot of either the diamond spray or the CrOx on your strops. Just a light application of the diamond spray to the felt until it feels slightly damp to the touch. Let it dry overnight before using it.

There is a photo tutorial in the SRP wiki about how to apply CrOx to a strop. Again, you don't have to apply a lot. The demo showed the user painting a few light Xs on the strop and then spreading it with his hand until it covered the strop.

For CrOx as well as diamond spray a little goes a long way.

CrO is a final finisher to give that ultimate smooth edge. I would compare it more to .25 diamond as an agent just that .25 diamond can leave a harsh edge. I have all three on bench strops made with hardwood and they work fine for me.

I have a question...When using diamond spray on a strop, such the SRD Paddle Strop, to maintain the edge of a str8 razor should you treat the felt strop with diamond spray each time you strop a different razor or does one application of diamond spray last through several razors?

the diamond should stick to the strop quite some time

Originally Posted by jhenry

I have a question...When using diamond spray on a strop, such the SRD Paddle Strop, to maintain the edge of a str8 razor should you treat the felt strop with diamond spray each time you strop a different razor or does one application of diamond spray last through several razors?

Recall that you cannot get it off. To begin a light spray each use or
every other use. Then when it is "loaded" it is good for months. To load
it may take one, two, three light applications. When spraying have the
sprayer in motion so you do not get wet splotches. Since you cannot
remove it try one light application and use it. Then after using it consider
a second application....

It will work itself down into the felt, leather or canvas with use and
load up. Do not overload... less is more.

Do "secretly" mark the strop or paddle so you can remember which is which
a year from now.

Janiver and Tom,

Got it...Thanks a bunch. Your posts have answered my question.

I'd like to add that all diamond grits are not equal. .25-micron paste from ClassicShaving.com leaves a rougher edge on my blade than .25-micron spritz from HandAmerican.com. I talked to Keith at HA and he explained that the grit he gets from Corning Labs is monocrystalline -- in other words, not as jagged.

Before I switched to his spritz and flipped my balsa lapping block over, I definitely needed to finish on the chrome oxide for a smoother finish. I can skip that and still get a comfy shave, now.

Thought i'd post this here since it's about diamond spray and crox.
Just bought some balsa for green CRox and Red,
Can diamond spray be applied to balsa only or does it work better on felt or other clothlike materials?