Pastes - Crox & Diamond

**Gamma** · 03-19-2011, 08:20 PM

I like the results I'm getting with doing about 10-15 laps on a linen hanger with .5 Crox after finsihing on a coticule.
I've been experimenting with .25 diamond and I find the edges to be radically sharper but significantly less comfortable.
Crox grit is reported to be rounder than the diamonds, so that could be the reason the edge feels smoother. The .25 diamond is finer, so it could just be the edge is 'too' sharp for me. Maybe it's both things working together.
Maybe .5 diamond would be the next move. If I could find .25 Crox I'd try that too. Then there's that CBN spray in ridiculously fine grits.
Maybe I should just live with the Crox edge and be happy.
But I can't help but wonder if there's another level of refinement.
Does that thought-process ever go away?

Me thinks I might be overcomplicating things again.

**jendeindustries** · 03-19-2011, 09:29 PM

Simply put, no - it never goes away

Once you start thinking about possible combos, all hope is quickly lost. I recommend you give in and try everything and get it over with. Odd are you'll probably end up with doing about 10-15 laps on a linen hanger with .5 Crox after finsihing on a coticule.

But you'll know with authority then!

**Seraphim** · 03-19-2011, 09:30 PM

I use a blend of chromox and 0.5 diamond, and like the results better than chromox alone. Give your chromox hanger a couple of spritzes with the diamond and see what you think.

**Gamma** · 03-20-2011, 07:25 AM

So then - all hope is lost.
Mixing diamond and Crox..

What's next - milling up Kings and Naniwas, and reforming them into Kingwas? Naniwings ? Wait - a 12k Nani with an Escher; Thuringiwa!
Ok - have to get .5 diamond now...But I am going on record as saying that I will not be buying those Boron powders.

"A man's got to know his limitations"

**Thebigspendur** · 03-20-2011, 09:49 AM

When you start think about "too sharp" you are in trouble because there is no such thing. Razors are proper sharp and after that the edge is just damaged.

.25 diamond is well known to produce harsh shaves. CrO is probably the best final finisher for most folks.

**Gamma** · 03-20-2011, 01:26 PM

Well, then all my Feathers must be damaged, 'cause to me they're too sharp for daily use.

**Seraphim** · 03-22-2011, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by Gamma

Well, then all my Feathers must be damaged, 'cause to me they're too sharp for daily use.

Next time you have a go with your Feather, use absolutely ZERO pressure. It'll feel stupid, but boy they sure can cut down those whiskers! It's taken me months to get the proper pressure figured out for them.

And just see what happens if you spritz on the .25 with the chromo I think that mix would work quite well. The .25 works fast, and the .5 chromo mellowing it out.

**Gamma** · 03-22-2011, 07:34 PM

I actually have to hold back the razor when it's loaded with a Feather blade - probably 'cause it's an XL Mergress, which is heavy.
But yeah - they whack whiskers pretty well don't they!

I'll get to mixing crox and diamond as soon as I get a couple more linen hangers - don't want to muck up the one I'm using now.
I wish I could buy a whole roll of that webbing Jose/Ambrose uses.
That would make experimenting a lot easier, and a bit less expensive.

**Seraphim** · 03-23-2011, 09:57 AM

Don't tell anybody, but Ive been using a pasted cloth Levi belt for finishing all of my razors the past three years or so....

It cost $10, and I cut it in half so I got two strops out of it.

Looks like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LRPQ50

I've tried compressed wool, balsa, etc, etc, but so far this is still the king.

**Gamma** · 03-23-2011, 07:41 PM

Nice - great idea - I have about 10 belts like that... I was looking at one the other day and thinking I could use it for a strop but I'd like it better if it was wider.
Ahhh... I jus threw one out not so long ago too...figures.
I'll find some webbing in a roll cheap somewhere.

**Seraphim** · 03-24-2011, 04:34 AM

I actually like the narrow for the pastes.

**Walker** · 03-24-2011, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Don't tell anybody, but Ive been using a pasted cloth Levi belt for finishing all of my razors the past three years or so....

It cost $10, and I cut it in half so I got two strops out of it.

Looks like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LRPQ50

I've tried compressed wool, balsa, etc, etc, but so far this is still the king.

I've shaved with a blade that was sharpened by Craig (Seraphim) and it's been one of the shapest i have ever shaved with. It's proof that you don't need a lot of expensive equipment to get outstanding results.

**Seraphim** · 03-24-2011, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the compliment!

here is my uber-hone, in all it's glory (this pic is of my 1um strop, the chromox mix one obviously has a green hue...):

**Gamma** · 03-24-2011, 06:30 PM

Nice - I was imagining something like that. Yep, that'sthe same belt with the metal tip. Next one that gets ratty will become a strop of some sort.
I can see how a thinner belt could have advantages - I'll have to try it out.
I would like to pick up some .5 diamond. I with there were small bottles of it around so I could check it out.
The SS has a set of samples in a set, but I don't want 1 micron and I already have the .25. Whatever - it'll get sorted out one way or another.
Thanks for the belt trick tip -