Any good ?, is it worth having one, I have the stuff at hand to knock one up and was gonna use it for diamond spray...even tho I dont really like the dia spray...I been using it on a leather bench strop but i think I want that back and just the felt for dia spray and maybe other side crox. Do you use a felt strop and are they useful...tia
Yes I think I have the first or second one that Hand American produced it was sent out for me to test the viability I have .50~ on one side and .25~ on the other The Felt works REALLY well with sprays, keep in mind that Diamond Spray is Rated by Caret Content also, not just Grit size the higher the Caret the better the spray quality I also have the very first Dual Sided Leather Strops for Diamond Paste from Tony Miller Let me try and explain the differences Certain Substrates are more Efficient than others and can completely change the feel of the edge ie: If you put the same Diamond Grit on Balsa compared to Leather vs Felt you will get three separate experiences Balsa is VERY efficient and cuts better than Leather, and Felt is the most gentle So if you want to use Sprays / Pastes as a refresh Felt is the least efficient, if you want to smooth the feel after honing then Felt rocks Make Sense ??? In order per my testing Balsa Linen Leather Felt Sail Cloth Microfibers
Excellent reply again, that's what I was hoping for, I find the dia spray too harsh on leather and thought the felt would provide a softer substrate and allow some of the spray to dissipate better and as it soaks in to put a bit of cushion between the steel and the diamond .
I am trying to put this into perspective for what I've been doing that works for me. I do a dozen or so laps on chromium oxide pasted suede followed by 50-60 laps on 200k diamond pasted balsa. The last step is 25 linen and 50 horse hide using an Illinois strop. Are there any steps I can eliminate and why?
I use diamond pasted balsa progression .5 micron. .25 micron .1 micron. Naked Suede ish leather then leather bench strop But after initial honing, for maintenance diamond pasted balsa .1 micron only followed by leather strops I’ve been experimenting with minimalist honing So I have greatly decreased lap count. At first guess I think you may Be able to cut out chrome oxide I have maintained an edge on .1 micron or 200k diamond pasted balsa And leather strop for about 50-60 shaves I would test / experiment your process by removing steps and test shave
