Quote Originally Posted by AlanII View Post
Sorry for my ignorance, but what does it do? Impart a finer polish? Not looking for an argument here, genuinely a little confused.
One of the sources of confusion is the difference between final
steps when honing a razor and everyday stropping.

Everyday stropping is not the same as the final steps
after honing on rocks (natural and man made). Everyday
stropping clean canvas, clean leather. After honing and for
weekly to monthly touch ups, lightly pasted strops have a
good place.

IMO, With modern ultra fine hones it is possible almost easy
to develop an edge that is ultra fine, harsh and needs a final
touch up. The classic solution was the silica in charcoal/ soot from
straw or more recently CrOx. Another common tool or method for managing
a micro burr is the pyramid method of honing (works well!).

The nice thing about CeOx and CrOx is that as abrasives go they
are mild and fine. I have picked up some lengths of Tandy
leather and have made pasted strops of them. My $25 buck bit
of leather turned into two strops. Four sides.... clean, CeOx, CrOx
and 2 micron diamond. The way too stiff Tandy leather minimizes
the rounding (in my minds eye) and cleans up a freshly honed edge.
Makes for an improved shave regardless.

Like I said: "The nice thing about CeOx and CrOx is that as abrasives go they
are mild and fine." Thus you can used them a lot more than some classic
pasted strop dressings but still moderation applies.

If only I had a loom strop like Lynn's monster I would be a happy man.
I did see some hardware at Lowes....