Thread: First Straight Shaves

Got back up in the saddle today. I still have a big reminder on my face to be careful and respectful with the razor.

I can give myself a socially acceptable shave now. Of course, I still do a pass with a DE, but I could survive with the straight if required.

My coordination with both hands is such that I can make affirmative strokes. Those hesitant, slow strokes of the raw beginner are uncomfortable. When you are confident of your angle and can guide the razor over the different planes, the smooth stroke makes a large difference in comfort.

Straight razor shaving certainly has a learning curve that you must respect. I am buying the "100 shaves to attain competency" wisdom.

I purchased a Case Red Imp recently at the Richmond, Va Antiques show. The weather was horrible and attendance was very poor, so I made what I thought was a lowball offer - $10. I will try to remember to post pictures of it. Using the knowledge gleaned from some purchasing threads, I tried to find any notable flaws. I was thinking that I could use it to practice my honing skills if/when I cross that bridge.

Glad to hear it, buddy! It can be fun trying to sniff out razors in antique shops, estate sales, and auctions. Just be careful to make sure the "AD's" (Acquisition Disorders) don't take hold of your wallet . I've basically allotted myself about $5-$10 a week towards this hobby. I hope to one day be able to make it a "self supporting" hobby by means of the occasionally flipped razor. But that will be a while. I prefer to approach such money pits/hobbies/addictions with modesty . Enough about me!

How has your progress been? Getting the lather done proper?

Sounds like you're coming along fine. It really does get easier and easier. The first time is the worst, when you don't have much of an idea what to expect. It does get easier every time you do it though. That's the way it is with any skill. You learn as much as you can from others, but ultimately doing it by yourself is how you really learn. Then after a while, you don't even think about it. Just like when you were a kid trying to learn how to tie you shoes. It was hard for a little while, then it's just something you do automatically. The big rule with the razor is if you're doing something that hurts -- stop.

Originally Posted by Uzi

... The big rule with the razor is if you're doing something that hurts -- stop.

I couldn't help myself, this reminds me of a REALLY old joke...
Patient: "Doc, it hurts when I do this... *touches extremity*"
Doctor: "Well, then don't do that!"


Sorry... I'll go back to sanding my razor now.

Here is my attempt at a photo of the Red Imp:




There's no rust near the edge/bevel or chips/cracks, so I am hoping that it can be made shave ready. All of the funk is on the upper half of the blade. The other side is better than this one. I hit it with some Maas metal polish and it is already looking better. I used Scrubbing Bubbles and a fine wire brush on the tang. Can a fine grit sandpaper be used on the deeper rust spots on the blade?

Crawler, I am moderate with my ADs. I have collected a few Gillette vintage DE's - however, there was an Aristocrat on a B/S/T last week that I could not resist. I use 3 synthetic brushes which are fairly inexpensive including a Chubby 2 which was a Black Friday deal - however, I did feel compelled to sign up for a Shavemac on a group buy recently and I have a Semogue boar brush I have been intending to sell. I have 8 quality soaps, but I am resolute in not purchasing more until I have finished one or two. I can foresee some straight razor purchases in the future, but I am waiting to gain some expertise in my shaving ability and in straight razor knowledge. The Classifieds here are extremely enticing. I sure do enjoy playing around with my shaving stuff:

Originally Posted by TomSlick

Crawler, I am moderate with my ADs. I have collected a few Gillette vintage DE's - however, there was an Aristocrat on a B/S/T last week that I could not resist. I use 3 synthetic brushes which are fairly inexpensive including a Chubby 2 which was a Black Friday deal - however, I did feel compelled to sign up for a Shavemac on a group buy recently and I have a Semogue boar brush I have been intending to sell. I have 8 quality soaps, but I am resolute in not purchasing more until I have finished one or two. I can foresee some straight razor purchases in the future, but I am waiting to gain some expertise in my shaving ability and in straight razor knowledge. The Classifieds here are extremely enticing. I sure do enjoy playing around with my shaving stuff:

That pic is ready for the "Show us your Shave Den" thread!

You could go about the rust on the Red Imp a few different ways. 1k or 2k sand paper, or extra fine steel wool (0000 grade) are fairly gentle, as far as hard abrasives go. They should do a decent job of getting rid of the red/brown rust without making it look like a rock tumbler & a dremmel got in a fight with the razor caught in the cross-fire. They won't do much to remove pitting that may be hiding under the rust, however. . Pitting isn't a razor death sentence, though. As long as it is tended to & not allowed to spread or grow in any way, it is just a blemish, like a pimple.

On a rust related note: preventing rust is the reason I wipe my blade on the corner of a large, dry sponge between passes. Only a light rinsing at the end, followed by the usual drying methods. Btw, the sponge also nearly eliminates the risk of "clinking" my SR, chipping it.

I hope this was helpful!