Pasted strop advice needed!

[rmac]

Hi guys,

I have got to the stage in straight shaving now whrere everything has fallen nicely into place. That is, except that I have been using the same two razors (professionally honed) almost exclusively since around May/June. As a result both edges are now dulling and I believe if I am to get much more service from them, a pasted strop is in order. The problem is that I dont know what to get. I have never tried a paddle but was thinking of buying a double sided leather one which would have two different pastes (need advice on grades), as well as either the filly from ruprazor or the prima rindleder (pasted) for finishing. Is having the three pasted stropping surfaces (plus my one unpasted SRD) necessary, or is it overkill? If I could just get one it would have to be a hanging strop, but I am open to suggestions...

I should add that the two razors can still be used, but they do pull occasionally, which is what led me to believe I need a pasted strop. I am pretty sure they dont need re-honing as well.

As usual, any advice is much appreciated!

Thanks

rmac.

 

[Sticky]

The 0.5 chrome oxide is popular for touch-up, the powder from Hand American or the stick from StraighRazorDesigns work well. Some of the other "0.5" COx is as large as 6u. A paddle or hanger will work fine.

1u film or 0.25 diamond spray are also popular choices. For all-around utility, the 0.5 COx is hard to beat.

 

[PhatMan]

rmac,

You can get superb paddle strops from:

1) Mr Miller at www.strop-shop.co.uk.
2) Mr Dempster at www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk

They both sell chromium oxide and other suitable abrasives, and are really great chappies to deal with

Best regards

Russ

 

[domino]

Check here:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114751
And
here:
http://www.shop.thewellshavedgentle...CBBF1.qscstrfrnt04?productId=124&categoryId=1

 

[rmac]

Thanks for your replies guys, but I am still a little confused. I have read (somewhere) that it is best to touch up the blade by using several different grades of paste. Is this true, or am I best to just go for a paddle/hanger pasted with the 0.5 micron (seems to be the most popular)?

 

[leighton]

Thanks for your replies guys, but I am still a little confused. I have read (somewhere) that it is best to touch up the blade by using several different grades of paste. Is this true, or am I best to just go for a paddle/hanger pasted with the 0.5 micron (seems to be the most popular)?

It depends on how long you wait before touching up your razor. If you wait until it just starts to feel dull, then your perfectly fine. If you wait until the razor won't shave anymore, I'm not entirely sure you could even touch it up with pastes.

That said, I'm really not entirely sure what the advantage would be to using more than one paste. If your going to end at .5 micron anyway your more than perfectly fine with just using .5 micron.

 

[PhatMan]

rmac,

It also depends to a degree on the razor & grind.

Most of my razors touch up very well on 0.5 micron CrOx.

My old Sheffields do well with red oxide.

My new C135 TI razors work best with 0.5 micron diamond as the blade is very hard on these razors.

If you make your own paddle from balsa, then it would be economical to have one for CrOx, one for diamond etc.

Best regards

Russ