How Much Can a Pasted Strop Do?

[DGalt]

I'm going to be ordering a 4 sided paddle strop with the 3, 1, .5, and .25 micro pastes within the next couple of days and I'm curious how much one can expected to do with a pasted strop.

Now I know you cannot fully restore an edge with a pasted strop. I know you can't set the bevel (is that what it's called) or anything like that. However, beyond simply sharpening a shave-dulled razor, what can a pasted be used for.

Meaning, how dulled of a razor can a pasted strop bring back to life. Will it bring a once shave ready razor that my roommate decided to scratch against a cardboard box back to shaving sharpness?

I'm just curious about what I can expect to able to do and not able to do with my new toy :001_rolle

[Thebigspendur]

In general pasted strops are used for routine maint. on a razor. So if you catch it before it gets really dull it could be a very long time before you need to use a hone. I do know there are some people who use coarse pastes to do restoration work and it seems to work for them but most don't advocate that.

I would say as long as the edge isn't damaged and its not Eboy special sharp you will be able to bring it back with the pastes. You just have to experiment.

[joke1176]

...I do know there are some people who use coarse pastes to do restoration work and it seems to work for them but most don't advocate that.
I would say as long as the edge isn't damaged and its not Eboy special sharp you will be able to bring it back with the pastes...

With my very first razor, before I found these forums, I got it to pass the HHT with 3 micron paste and a Brasso soaked canvas belt progression.

It actually shaved pretty well, not as good as a properly honed, and finished on Chrome Ox blade, but not too shabby. (how embarrassing) :blushing:

That being said, it took me a while to get it sharp... a long while. heh

[joel]

You can do a lot with a pasted paddle... really a lot. I have 9 micron diamond paste, as well as flexcut gold - and I can set a fine bevel with 'em. YMMV - but I got into messin' with flexcut gold from the recommendation of a highly respected member of the straight razor community - who uses it to hone up his wedges and the like when nothing else seems to work. It works for him, it works for me - it should work for others - but YMMV and all that jazz :smile: