Thread: beginner needs help in kansas city

hey everyone! new straight razor, shaver in kansas city mo. unfortunatly I didnt find this forum until it was too late and purchased a frost cutlery razor at a gun show. I have shaved with it a few times but with so so results (obviously hahaha). I was wondering if anyone on here would be going to the gun show next weekend and would be able to help me find a real razor, or if anyone knew of a better source near by. Being a semi recent college grad and very tight funds this is a slow introduction to a new hobby. I do have experiance with metal and blade smithing so reconditioning a razor is not inconcievable I just dont have a fine enough stone at this point.

your best bet would be to send it off to one of the members that hone razors to "shave ready" or go to the Straight Razor Design site and send it there for honing by Lynn. Ive never heard of the Frost brand but that doesn't mean anything. My experience has been that if the razor is not Solingen or Sheffield (I know there are more!!.. help me out here guys I'm tired) it's gonna be a fight to get a good shaving edge. You would be way better off going to the classified here on SRP and finding a economical shave ready razor. Read the wiki on here too it's treasure trove of great info....... Welcome to SRP......CC

Originally Posted by portruchio

hey everyone! new straight razor, shaver in kansas city mo. unfortunatly I didnt find this forum until it was too late and purchased a frost cutlery razor at a gun show. I have shaved with it a few times but with so so results (obviously hahaha). I was wondering if anyone on here would be going to the gun show next weekend and would be able to help me find a real razor, or if anyone knew of a better source near by. Being a semi recent college grad and very tight funds this is a slow introduction to a new hobby. I do have experiance with metal and blade smithing so reconditioning a razor is not inconcievable I just dont have a fine enough stone at this point.

First and Foremost!!!! Welcome! Welcome to the most Friendly, Helpful and Courteous Website that concerns Straight Razors!

I would Highly Recommend that you send your Razor out for Professional Honing! I was a Meat Cutter and the difference between Sharpening a Knife and 'Honing' a Razor is Black and White!!(I'm still learning) But I enjoy every minute that I spend on a hone!!


Please click on 'Classifieds' then look for Member Services. Once there you will find a selection of Honemeisters. The cost should be between $30-$35 round trip! I am biased, but if you will send me a PM I'll gladly let you know who it is that I prefer!

In closing, you said that you had (Shaved with it a few times with so so results) Until you use an actual Shave Ready Razor,you'll never know the wondrous world of Straight Razor Shaving My friend, you have simply 'Scraped' some hair from your face!

[QUOTE=portruchio;776828]hey everyone! new straight razor, shaver in kansas city mo. unfortunatly I didnt find this forum until it was too late and purchased a frost cutlery razor at a gun show.

Hello portruchio;

Welcome to SRP. There are several members here in the KC area that can help. Careful buying razors at gun and knife shows. Steel quality and termpering methods are paramount in Str8 razor blade manufacturing. We have get togehters periodically. Check out the Wiki section at the toolbar on top. Much info there. Feel free to send me a PM if you have questions.
MIke

I guess this is really several questions; Is the razor I have worth sending off to be sharpened or would It be better to buy a shave ready razor from a reputable place, and just shelf the steel warrior? any body deal with whippeddog? any one try the trade razor thing through him? The question regarding the gun show was if it was really worth looking or will they all be junk/over priced? and if it was worth it are there any members already going that collect and would be willing to impart their wisdom on brand, condition, ect?

I know Larry well (Whipped Dog) he's a good guy, very helpful. As a matter of fact, tell him "Zib" sent you, and he'll take care of you.
The classifieds are also and excellent source for razors, and when you have the funds, most definitely visit our friends at SRD. They have some fine blades. Dovo is a popular choice for new str8 shaver's, a 5/8, or 6/8th are good sizes to start off with...Welcome to SRP....

P.S. I'm sorry, I don't know anything about Frost Cutlery, and can't make any intelligent comments about them. Someone may know....

Originally Posted by portruchio

I guess this is really several questions; Is the razor I have worth sending off to be sharpened or would It be better to buy a shave ready razor from a reputable place, and just shelf the steel warrior? any body deal with whippeddog? any one try the trade razor thing through him? The question regarding the gun show was if it was really worth looking or will they all be junk/over priced? and if it was worth it are there any members already going that collect and would be willing to impart their wisdom on brand, condition, ect?

I am afraid I don't know much about that razor you have.
I seem to remember someone referring to it as a pocket knife...

Edit:
I checked the WIKI's list of razor to avoid, and I'm sorry to say that the razor you bought is on it.
hat means, it is not suitable for shaving. Sorry mate!
End edit


What I do know is this; Whipped Dog has a well earned reputation around here.
His razors may not always be the best looking out there, but you will get a truly shave ready razor for a very reasonable price.
My suggestion would be to get a properly honed razor from either Whipped Dog, or from our classifieds.

Put the Frost Cutlery razor you bought away for now.

Learn to shave on the new razor you buy, and then, when you have learned it, do the research on your other razor and deal with it accordingly!
If it turns out to be good, then get it honed and you have yourself a spare.

Starting out with a proper shaver is paramount for getting anywhere in learning this.

Good luck