Most obsessive forum I have every read

[ace]

I don't know why people continue to describe straight shavers as obsessive. I know that I certainly am not. Heck, sometimes I strop 100 laps, sometimes 105, and then sometimes only 95. Sure, it might average 100 laps if you do the numbers, but I'm not so obsessive that I would even keep track of the numbers anyway. I'm really casual about it. I figure 95 is 5 less than 100 and 105 is 5 more, but what difference can it really make? Sure, 95 laps is 5% short of the usual 100, but if I don't count out loud, how will the razor even know? I'm so laid back about it that some days I don't even strop. The last day I didn't was 7/11/11. I know because I have it circled on my stropping calendar. Heck, I don't even know what day of the week that was, so there you are!

[pfries]

The last day I didn't was 7/11/11. I know because I have it circled on my stropping calendar. Heck, I don't even know what day of the week that was, so there you are!

It was a Monday the Monday after I started my first re-pin and honing(1 layer Tape) on a Böker Red Injun 101, it was my first true straight after my shavette. I got to try it out that Friday 7/15 after I stropped it on my Illinois #827 30 linen 75 leather, VDH deluxe soap and my green boar brush, three full passes, good but not quite there note said back to 5k.
Not CDO (they need to be in order) just thorough

[Substance]

What Substance said. Also, go ahead and be a bore; it's amazing how many topics can be turned to conversations about razors: "Yeah, it's a nice car you just bought. New cars have so much plastic in them. Older cars contained more steel. Talking of steel, my new razor is carbon steel..., yeah, that's right, carbon steel, yeah, it's a straight razor..."

Carl

Looks like a bit of the old off-topicus-anonymous kicking in there Carl

[Substance]

I know because I have it circled on my stropping calendar.

you have a stropping calendar ??
I thought I was bad enough just keeping aregister of purchases & works perfromed LOL

[Hart]

I am finding it very hard not to be a razor bore telling mates of the latest awesome custom razor I have found.

I tell no one. Not how I shave. Not what I buy. Not what I restore.

Except for here, of course

But "IRL" I don't mention it. For me there is something very private and personal about SR shaving. I'd never deny it, but to make it part of every day conversation would somehow diminish it for me.

[onimaru55]

Would you strop a razor from Lynn before using it? I am concerned my technique may be off and I would at least like to try the razor once before I destroy it with my ineptitude. Or can I not do too much harm and should strop anyway? I have watched a ton on videos! No wrist movement, spine first, move razor before putting down blade etc! theory is one thing practice is quite another. Thanks all again btw I live in Plymouth, Devon in the UK.

I suggest my patented razor stropping simulator.

Practice on a single sheet of newspaper the same size as your leather strop. You can even use a butterknife to start.
No reason to wreck a strop or an edge thru ineptitude.

[sharptonn]

" Strop often and prosper"

[Steel]

You do have to remember some of us are over the top. Really you don’t need too much gear to start and it is not as complicated or ridged as it may sound.
People have been shaving with straight razors for hundreds of years without all the wazoo…stuff we can’t live without.

A well-honed razor, a strop, soap and brush. And a mentor… and you are good to go for a long time.
Our goals may be the perfect edge, yours should be to scrape the hair off you face without the loss of blood.

Keep it simple as long as you can.

+1. That's one of the best damn posts I've ever read here! I don't know if that says it all but sure says a lot!

[tedh75]

I just sent my first razors off to Lynn to be honed. I asked him if he strops the razors after he hones them and if not could I pay him to do so. He said he strops every razor he hones but still recommended that I strop it before I use it. I mentioned to him that I wanted to experience a properly honed and stropped edge before I ruined it as I have never stropped before. He said that I should go ahead and strop it anyway. He went on to say that people don't usually ruin an edge unless they lift the spine or use too much pressure. He recommended that I watch his stropping video which I have; along with a few others.

[Bdnield]

Welcome to one of the classiest and friendliest forums on the internet! Don't strop it and enjoy the shave!