Thread: Pasting the strop...

I`ve got myself a few different strops and a selection of pastes of different grades. I plan to get started sorting my razor out tommorrow starting with the finest grade to see if that helps before going backwards. The question I have is this... Just how finely should the paste be applied to the strop? A hint? A visable layer? I`m thinking I probably need to bring the paste down the strop with about as much pressure as when stropping the razor, is that about right? Is there anything you guys can think to tell me/warm me about before I use paste? Thanks for your help ;D As with my Astrophotography hobby it would be next to impossible without being able to consult experienced people

I`ve just had another thought too. Is the paste used on the smoother side of the strop or the rougher side? I suppose you could add further grades of abrasivity depending on which side you used maybe...

Originally Posted by Feebo

As with my Astrophotography hobby it would be next to impossible without being able to consult experienced people

Yes; here at the Lake Woebegon chapter of SRP, everyone's a "star"... and our [grand]children are all above-average.

WRT paste quantity on strops: There have been some recent discussions about this topic; if you page back through the forum, I'm sure you'll find them.

Less is more. You don't want to apply a "coat". really just a very light dusting so to speak. The whole strop should have clear areas without the paste. It's better to add too little and apply a tad more later then apply too much and have to figure out how to remove it.

Gotcha On the smooth side or the rough? I`m thinking smooth has got to be better. More even contact and the rough stuff comes before any sort of paste. Am I right?

Originally Posted by Feebo

Gotcha On the smooth side or the rough? I`m thinking smooth has got to be better. More even contact and the rough stuff comes before any sort of paste. Am I right?

Most folk paste the second side and keep the fine leather
side for finish stropping the razor.

If this is a second spare paste-able strop...
some put put a coarser paste on the back and a fine
paste on the front. The coarse side can be
lightly sanded with something like 1000 or 2000
wet dry paper on a dowel or block.