Legal pad as pasted strop?

[DBLE ARROW BLADE]

Ive read people discuss many things that could temporarily be used as strops. One of them was the back of a legal pad.

I currently have a strop, but only one razor and no hones as of yet. I'm trying to aquire things somewhat slowely and was wondering if the legal pad could serve as a pasted strop until I get one. Smearing different pastes on different pads. Or would the paste just instantly shred the pad and hurt the blade?

I will eventually get a pasted strop (thinking tony's four sided) and the 4000/8000 norton water hone.

The thing is, I used an electric for years, and it finally broke right b4 christmas. I told my wife I had to get a new one, and she bought me a very nice (and not too cheap) one b4 christmas--didn't even count it as a christmas present:001_smile. Shortly there after I caught the straight shave bug, and have been aquiring things to that end. I haven't heard it yet, but spending too much too quickly on this is sure to bring some comments about the expensive electric on my coiunter that's barely two months old and not getting any use.

So, just wondering if this would work, or any other ideas to keep the straight shave dream going while slowely aquiring the needed materials.

Any ideas appreciated.

[Bluestaco]

That might work.
I don't know that I'd paste a notepad, necessarily, but you could.
You might search the forum for info on making a pasted strop out of balsa wood. It's very easy, cheap, and totally effective, in my experience.
Good luck!

[DBLE ARROW BLADE]

thanks for the advice, I think I will look into balsa wood . . . just sounds like a better idea :001_smile

[mparker762]

You'll probably only get one use out of a sheet of paper, but if you're just experimenting with the pastes then the legal pad will work fine.

If you're planning to use them for an extended period of time then you'll need something more robust. I've got a couple of paddles that I made by gluing a strip of wood to a 8x3 tile. After the glue sets you lap the surface flat, then wash off the wood carefully to remove any dust or sanding grit. Once the wood dries then you can paste it. Paste it lightly though - more is *not* better when it comes to pastes.

Gluing the wood to a solid surface is a must BTW. The wood will absorb moisture from the air, and unless it is held firm it will warp enough to negatively impact its performance. Usually the edges will curl up so the razor will only touch the edges as you strop. Gluing it firmly to a tile or quarter-sawn piece of wood will prevent this from happening.

[DBLE ARROW BLADE]

another great idea

are you talking about everyday flooring tile? Like used in a kitchen or bathroom?

[mparker762]

no I found some 8x3 tiles at home depot. They've got some grid pattern embossed in the bottom, probably to give them more grip on the grout. I just use a good expanding glue like Elmer's Rhino Glue, and glue the board to the bottom side of the tile, and clamp it tight. Once it's dried then I trim the wood, then dry lap it with 300 grit sandpaper (don't go too fine or it won't hang onto the paste very well), clean it thoroughly, then paste it.

[Deftim13]

thanks for the advice, I think I will look into balsa wood . . . just sounds like a better idea :001_smile

Pick up some balsa wood at a local hobby shop. I put a piece on a block of wood and glued them together.