Thread: Suggestions

I would say that, with proper care, any razor you buy that's of a quality build will last you a lifetime. Just look at all the old razors that are still around from back in the day. They aren't necessarily solid metal like the one you want but they are still in great shape because people take care of them. So yes, to answer your question, it should last a lifetime.

As for the strop I can't comment on it but I'm sure others on here will be able to...

Can I assume you live in a German speaking country? It'll be hard for many to comment on the strop, since we can't read the description. If you are somewhere in Europe, perhaps one of the forum members from Europe will weigh in.

Yes I live in Germany itself

Here is what the description says: Strop made of genuine leather Length: 40cm Width: 4.5cm Material: Genuine cow leather One side very fine, the other slightly roughened Optimal grinding capacity Very smooth two-sided: one side serves the ridge in the direction away from the knife towards erect one page is used to leathering


Also it is very good to hear that, straight razors lasts a lifetime, it is obvious that they will "look" very old, but as long as they provide a quality shave I don't mind the look

Can someone explain me this:
1) I know that every time before shaving I have to strop my straight razor around 25-50 round trips (back and forth). I thought after that I could start shaving immediately. But then I saw this:

The Straight razor shave - Shavemac

Maintenance of the straight razor
Before shaving
Newly manufactured razors can be used immediately and do not have be stropped
The razor should get stropped on the strap before shaving. Let the straight razor rest for 24 hours. Within this period, a large part of the edge will have straightened itself, the blade is spared and retains its sharpness longer. New razors can be used immediately!



Does this mean I have to strop my razor a day or 2 in advance then to start shaving?

No, strop just before the shave.
As far as advice on razors from a brush maker, take those with a large grain of salt.
The same goes for advice from razor manufacturers which would lead you to buy more of their products.

You only need one razor and if not abused it should be good for at least a thousand years.

Awesome, since I'm gonna get my first razor soon and try to be extremely careful regarding stropping and honing (in the future) so It can last forever

Originally Posted by heyjude

I chose stainless steel because it is just better than regular steel.

What makes you think that ?

In terms of edges I have found that carbon steel blades are able to take and hold a far superior edge than any stainless steel I've come across, though some of the new powders steels are pretty impressive. Admittedly I don't have any experience with straight razors but I don't see any reason why this won't be the case here.

In general stainless steels have a larger crystalline structure than pure carbon steels, in practice it means that you are able to get a much smoother edge on a carbon steel blade than you can get on a stainless steel blade.

Out of all the knives I own the ones made of blue paper steel can take the finest, sharpest edges of them all and that is a pure carbon steel.

The only reason I point this out is in case you have dissmised the carbon steel razors due the belief that stainless steel is superior. In my opinion as far as the edge of a blade is concerned carbon steel beats any stainless steel out there including the fancy powderd steels now available

Well, first I just thought "stainless steel" will be way more resistant to rusting than carbon steel and that just made me favor them. But checking the entires here I have seen people getting adequate results from both kinds. So I just have to make a chose

But if I get a good quality razor does it REALLY matter what kind of steel it is made of? I mean it is gonna be able to shave once stropped well enough right?

I'm planning to get this razor:
DOVO Rasiermesser 5/8 Zoll rostfrei Edelstahl -

The description says: DOVO Razors 5/8 inch stainless steel

Solingen razor with 5/8 inch wide stainless steel blade made of stainless steel and gold etching "Best Class", 1/2 hollow ground, with handles made of brushed stainless steel


I would appreciate your comments on this one

Originally Posted by heyjude

Well, first I just thought "stainless steel" will be way more resistant to rusting than carbon steel and that just made me favor them. But checking the entires here I have seen people getting adequate results from both kinds. So I just have to make a chose

Sorry if I led you to think that stainless steel was in some way inferior to carbon steels, this just isn't the case. I just wanted to point out that pure carbon steel is not "worse" than stainless steel and that you shouldn't dismiss the carbon steel blades because you are under the impression tha they are Of a lower quality

Just a word of warning though, although they are called stainless steel they are by no means immune to rust. There are an incredible amount of different " stainles steels" out there and the type of steel used for fine blades is very different to what your knives and forks are made from and will rust much more easily. You won't for example be able to just leave the blade wet, stainless or not it will rust

Whatever you choose I'm sure you will be happy with any quality blade out there. As long as you look after it either carbon steel or stainless steel will serve you well

PS: as far as the razor you posted is concerned I don't feel that I have the knowledge to make a valid comment. The only thing I can say is that I do have a couple of pocket knives made from stainless silver steel which is what I think That razor isb. Made from and they do take a fantastic edge

As far as what to look for in a razor, buy the best you can afford. The dovo is a good choice. Scales are asthetic. Its a personal choice of style and type. Since it is your first you have no refrence to go by and you will be fine. Stroping can be done on the palm of your hand or the back of your arm if need be. Just make sure that the razor is "shave ready" when you buy it so you know what expect when you strop or hone. The only way I know to get a shave ready razor is to buy from some one who uses straights them selves and list as "shave tested". Cheap barber hones can be found on ebay for touching up the edge but shouldnt be needed for a while. There is several liftimes of knowledge avalible here in the forum as far as care and use of straights. Take the time and read. I was reading and researching for two months before I felt comfortable starting with a straight. Ive not looked back! Been a great investment and hoby every since! Take your time, learn and enjoy! It is a skill you will have to develop, but soooo worth it.