Thread: Stopping with a diamond paste

Hello,

I'm trying to find my way to stropping with a diamond paste. Where do I begin?

I not even know what I'm looking for.

0.25? 0.5? 1.0? or 2.0? How do I decide which one?

And also, what is better? Paste or spray?
Please somebody help me!!!!!

All the best

Carlos

PS I just noticed I missed the "r" from the word Stropping in the title of this thread and the editing application does not let me access the title!!!!!

In my experience, I have found that using the .5 diamond spray on felt works the best for both refreshing and for the final step in honing. Generally, only 5-10 no pressure strokes works very well followed by 50-60 strokes on the regular leather strop. The felt provides a natural cushion for the spray and I have found it more effective than the pastes on leather or linen. .25 is OK after the .5, but you only need 3-5 strokes with no pressure. The .25 has not quite as consitent, but when it hits right, the edge is quite nice. The 1 micron followed by the .5 is also pretty effective when the razor is just not quite there sometimes when honing.

Chromium oxide for me works well too. The pastes or crayon on linen or leather is fine and the spray on felt is also very good. 5-10 no pressure strokes followed by 50-60 on the regular strop is pretty consistent on results also for both refreshing and when used as the final step in honing.

Have fun.

Which leather do you think yields the best edge after the .5 diamond on felt?

Originally Posted by JohnG10

Which leather do you think yields the best edge after the .5 diamond on felt?

If you want to have some fun with this question, try any of the leathers and do 50-60 strokes followed by 30 or so strokes on a Roo strop.

I agree, I love the .50 diamond spray on SRD's wool felt. If you take a blade that's shave ready, it truly will take to the next level. I normally do 10 strokes, then strop, usually 30/70 if was just honed, otherwise 25/50.

I don't like pasting nice hanging strops, so I bought some cheap cowhide leather belting material from Tandy, and made some paddles. I works well. I use it primarily for the .25 and crox.

+1 comments by Lynn and Zib. I use the .50 diamond spray on SRD felt using the SRD paddle strop and have found 10 no-pressure strokes follwed by 30/60 on the rough leather and smooth leather that comes with the paddle gives a very refined edge. Per Lynn's recommendation, I use the 10/30/60 for routine touch ups, too, and it works great. (now if I could just learn to hone a smiling wedge )