Thread: Introduction, and a desperate plea for help.

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?

Yeah, what has been said already. Plus a lot of "retailers" only use that term to differentiate any carbon steel from stainless steel. Every steel is an alloy. They all contain carbon.

Look at some razor making vids. See how many heat-treat cycles: annealing, hardening, normalizing go in to making a razor that will perform adequately (given a proper alloy). The marginal (junk) stuff out there probably hasn't been through as much processing (or is of improper alloy, or the heat treatment/work doesn't fit the alloy)--that makes it cheaper! And everybody wants cheeper!

Therein lies the fuel for junk production.

Folks seeking a bargain. Bargains are fun when they work out, but it takes a lot of knowledge to understand the difference in many cases. A proper shaving edge is pushing the steel to its absolute limits. This is not apparent to the novice.

Just buy from folks that come recommended. Safest starter route, so what you spend "x" more. It's usually worth it.

Regarding Cost of Razor:
I've said it before and I'll say it again, poor man can't afford to go cheap when purchasing a quality SR.

Look at the classifieds here. Buying from a known member or approved vendor guarantees you a quality razor that allows you to work on technique without the worry of whether or not the problem is you or the blade.
My first razor came from SRD, the next one came from the classifieds on this site.
From there, after developing a relationship with different members here, I was able to pick up 2 more at incredible prices. The word "Community" does indeed describe this site. Plenty of people looking to help the new guy. Plenty of camaraderie.
There are far too many variables to worry about and work through without it being the quality of the razor.
Be good to yourself.
Buy it right the first....er, the second time.
That's just MHO
Good luck

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Folks seeking a bargain. Bargains are fun when they work out, but it takes a lot of knowledge to understand the difference in many cases. A proper shaving edge is pushing the steel to its absolute limits. This is not apparent to the novice.

+1.

I like flea markets and garage sales. I am always on the lookout for razors and kitchen knives. Occasionally I buy a rusted kitchen knife for 2 euros which I can restore. My latest one is a high quality german kitchen knife which needed restoration and a new handle.

The thing is, of the 100 knives I inspect, only 1 or 2 turn out to be not mass produced junk. It takes a knifemaker or experienced knife user to see the difference between a high quality knife that looks like junk, and actual junk. And the actual junk knives vastly outnumbers the 'looks like junk' knives.

Get the sight unseen $28 razor from whipped dog. I just got one. It's ugly as sin but shaves like a dream

Originally Posted by theonlychrisj

I suggested this to Larry. Waiting to hear back.

Let us know if this works out. If not, we can probably meet for a cup of coffee and I can see what I can do.

Rick

Got my sr from Larry at whipped dog yesterday. Shaved great! Big difference in quality. It's not pretty, but it shaves well!

Also, Larry was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Very friendly and quick to lend his knowledge to a noob like me. I'll definitely do business with him again.