So I finally took the advice of some notable notables I see in the forum here- namely the advocates of using the 0.5, 0.25, and 0.1 micron progression in honing and using the 0.1 post shave. I have been using CrOx 0.5 microns post shave up to this point and that already yields benefits! Instead of balsa I used basswood because I see plenty of people that used balsa and switched say they were amazed with the results so I started there. I just have some basswood that I bought at the local fabric / arts & crafts store & found a nice slice of basswood I used to make two strops with. Went to the local hardware store and found 2 chunks of ceramic tile they just let me have for free and I used an epoxy for my adhesive. Worked like a champ- just don’t get it on the business side of the wood- This was easy enough to make- Maggard paste went on with a plastic knife and paper towel- I’ll let it sit 24 hours before using- Not sure if I really need the 0.25 micron substance? Am I missing out on much by going from 0.5 to 0.1? Would extra laps on the 0.1 make up for that lack of progression? I CAN say with confidence I notice one hell of a difference in my shave, even if the cream dries or is drying, that annoying pull and tug isn't there. The post shave on the CrOx was a game changer for me. I didn’t use diamond compound, I used Maggard Ferrous Oxide 0.1 paste instead- I figure 0.1 is 0.1- I know diamond is harder, but in the “playing around and learning stage” I kinda wanna get the feel of everything and screw up with cheaper stuff...lol- is there a substance besides diamond compound that is 0.25 microns? Am I REALLY missing out on anything not having that step? I’m asking because my wife is tired of me spending money... At any rate- Those that advocate for the balsa strops & have done their fair share of explaining how to do it- particularly those in the Philippine Islands- I thank you for your sage wisdom and for the sudden drop in the pulling and tugging of my razor. It really makes up for a lack of perfection in leather stropping technique & creates what I’d call a margin for forgiveness. I’m not an expert.....but I can bleed.....and haven’t lately thanks to you folks!
(Wasn’t sure if this should’ve gone in honing or stropping- I figured this wasn’t about stones so I put it here)
(Wasn’t sure if this should’ve gone in honing or stropping- I figured this wasn’t about stones so I put it here)
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