Thread: My learning sojourn to AFDavis11 today

In Early December I created a thread, telling you guys that I had destroyed my first strop in only three weeks. I asked if anyone could advise me. I explained that I lived in the greater Washington, D.C. area. A ton of guys posted with great stropping advice.

Two gentlemen, LegalBeagle of Alexandria, and AFDavis11, of Fairfax, VA, offered to give me in-person lessons!

Just before Christmas, LegalBeagle (Bill) came to my house to show me advanced stropping and demonstrate Japanese-inspired honing. He also loaned me a very very sharp vintage razor to tide me over. I hope to document that experience later.

Today I visited AFDavis11 (Alan) at his house in Fairfax. Have all of you met Alan? He's a very manly man, with an extremely thick beard. Like all straight hobbyists I know, he's dedicated to detail. I loved it when he dug out his seven or eight straights, which we all worked on. It was great.

First thing, he showed me that I needed to SLOW DOWN on my technique. (See him demonstrate on his new stropping video demo.) Alan's a very, very patient person. He just kept pointing out my errors methodically, letting me repeat and get it right. Keep the spine on the strop. Don't go all the way to the end of the strop (helps to avoid nicks). Lift edge before coming to a stop. Etc.

The most interesting thing I learned today was how to begin honing on a barber's hone--which he loaned me as I left! Soak it a while in water. Use some lather on the stone for full lubrication. Go smoothly, slowly, and with the razor totally flat against the stone.

Alan believes in honing more and stropping less. He believes stropping can be overdone as well as underdone, and feels some guys have to strop so long because their honing technique, or their stropping technique, is dulling their razor.

We went over the concept of the razor needing a certain amount of "grabbiness" as well as smoothness. My particular razor, a DOVO pakkawood, has some bevel flaws Alan feels were causes by uneven grinding at the factory. He worked about an hour and one-half to even it out. It helped a lot, but he was not satisfied. He said we could take it up together later, or I could continue working on it (or I could send it out).

We went over the many stones he uses in honing, and what use each of them has. He explains why he tends to prefer a great deal more work with the smooth stones even though he could probably shorten the honing cycle with more use of the grittier stones.

Finally, he demonstrating his shaving technique. Wow--did that hair fly off. Especially impressive was his water-only second pass. Sounds painful, but it did not cut him nor look painful. As a final bonus, he sent me away with a loan of Mama Bear's Polynesian Red shaving soap. Thanks, Alan!

Jim, glad to hear you were able to get some good advice from AFDavis! I hope the learning curve is coming together for you, and I look forward to linking up again!

Its very nice that people on this fourm are wiling to meet in person to help other people out, it makes me proud to be a member here. a Special thanks is in order for Leaglebeagle and AfDavis.you guys really showed the true spirit of the fourms.

Another fine example of why this is such a great place and even more so, a brotherhood! Kudos to all for helping each other out!

yea but wait until you get AF's bill in the mail for services rendered.

Jim and I had a really good time. I'll try and set up a get together with a few of our Virginia members soon.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Jim and I had a really good time. I'll try and set up a get together with a few of our Virginia members soon.

Great idea, Alan! Let's do it! Also, is there a SRP 2011 convention planned?

I see you guys found it already, but for anyone else in northern VA, there's a social group at Straight Razor Place Forums - BBS Virginians.

Looking forward to meeting some of y'all!