Thread: Introduction, and a desperate plea for help.

I ordered a sight unseen razor from him, just to roll the dice. I got a beautiful Wostenholm IXL with a great edge that has not needed a hone since i've gotten it in September (i have a 9 razor cycle though). It is the cheapest way to get a nice shaver. If you aren't happy with the razor, you can return it, he's very fast on his e-mail replies. his shipping was rather quick too, less than 2 weeks from Texas to Ontario, Canada.

All in all, it would have cost you roughly the same price as that RSO you unfortunately got and would be shaving already.

Best of luck.

Just another question:

The description of my current razor says that it's "high carbon steel." What's the reason that it wouldn't keep an edge? Or rather, why shouldn't I just send my current razor out to be honed properly?

"High carbon" does not mean high quality. it simply refers to being over a certain percentage of carbon in the steel when the steel was made. I don't recall seeing anywhere on that page what type of steel the blade was made out of, which should be a red flag for you in the future.

If the blade is of lesser quality steel and can't hold an edge it won't matter who hones it, it will still be a poor quality blade when you get it back. If you are thinking of getting into honing in the future it may be worth your time to invest in some decent wet stones and try putting an edge on it yourself, just for fun and as the name states: practice.

I've only heard good things about Whipped Dog, some of the razors might not be display pieces but will be sharp and shave ready

Originally Posted by theonlychrisj

Just another question:

The description of my current razor says that it's "high carbon steel." What's the reason that it wouldn't keep an edge? Or rather, why shouldn't I just send my current razor out to be honed properly?

There are a couple of things besides the type of steel that go towards getting an edge on a razor and the razors ability to keep an edge. The first has to do with having the right blade geometry, that is ground with the right spine width to blade size ratio. The second is even if the proper type of steel is used and it is not hardened enough or too much the ability to take and hold an edge is effected adversely.

Not a thing stopping you from sending your razor out to be honed professionally.

Bob

Whipped dog is a good choice. The razor I got from him is one of he best I have...and it was nearly the cheapest too.

Definitely go with Larry at Whipped Dog really great guy and great value with service to match. He'll even post a straight razor out to you to practice honing when you return it you'll get comments on your honing skills.
Also the classifieds here have some great razors. One final thought the best advice I can give as a newbie is to get your first main razor professionally honed then you'll know what a true shave ready razor feels like.

Send your razor to Whipped Dog to see if he will hone it. If not, have him send it back with one of his. At least you might save some shipping. I understand trying to save your investment but from where we are sitting that doesn't look possible. Just MY opinion :<0)

We have a place with a list. These razors are known problems. Known as in discussed here by those who use and hone and restore straight razors. Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by theonlychrisj

Just another question:

The description of my current razor says that it's "high carbon steel." What's the reason that it wouldn't keep an edge? Or rather, why shouldn't I just send my current razor out to be honed properly?

My guess is that any pro would refuse to hone it and return the razor. Definitely ask first before you send that out.

Michael

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Send your razor to Whipped Dog to see if he will hone it. If not, have him send it back with one of his. At least you might save some shipping.

I suggested this to Larry. Waiting to hear back.