Thread: New, nineteen, could use some advice.

Hey everyone,

I posted an introduction already. I've been reading a lot on the forum but would love some advice and answers. I bought my first straight razor today from the art of shaving. It's a 5/8 theirs-issars. I was told it's shave ready but after reading the guide I believe it wouldn't hold up to most people's standards. Has anyone had experience with the blades from the art of shaving? I'm happy to send it out to be honed but I don't know where to start to look for a hone meister. I'd love to send it to Lynn. Would anyone know if he still would hone a blade for someone? Maybe I don't need to get it honed, I'm not positive. I shaved before I found this guide and shaved my whole face. I didn't have the greatest experience. Razor burn and nics, etc. I showered, used oil, used a brush and lather. I'm sure it's user error but I think it could be the blade only because the guide said if a retailer says it's shave ready, it probably isn't genuinely shave ready. As far as stripping goes, I'm a little worried. I got a couple nics, very small ones, in the leather. Will this damage my blade now? Do I need a complete new one? I can take pictures as well if needed. As far as technique, I'm confused on one thing. Do I pull the spine along the strop or do I keep the edge at the 30 degree angle along the strop just going towards the spine?

Thanks in advanced to anyone who responds!

Kind regards,

Justin

Welcome Justin,

The razor is a good one, but probably needs to be made shave ready.
Look at the link I provided & send it out to one of the members advertised to have it honed to shave ready.
The strop will be fine with a few small nicks.
Let the blade slide down the strop, the edge following the spine, watch the videos & see how the blade is held, as you stroke the leather. Don't raise the spine.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=4

Justin, please modify your info to include where you are. That way we can find you a Mentor or Senior Member near you that can sit down with you for a face-to-face and answer a lot of questions. And I'm sure, hone your fine razor for you and show you how to maintain it. Doing so will cut a heck of a lot off the learning curve.

Thanks for such a speedy response Hirlau! It's very appreciated! Makes me happy to hear that I have a good razor too! I'll definitely look at the list and send it out asap! The art of shaving rep said that the razor would only need to be sharpened once a year and just stopped at least once prior to each shave. Is that accurate or will I need to send it out to be honed more frequently than that? Also if I leave the spine in contact with strop, won't that round the bevel since it's so low of an angle?

Razorfeld,

That's a wonderful idea and I think that would help a lot! I just updated some of my information and wrote a small biography!

Originally Posted by Jolin73096

Thanks for such a speedy response Hirlau! It's very appreciated! Makes me happy to hear that I have a good razor too! I'll definitely look at the list and send it out asap! The art of shaving rep said that the razor would only need to be sharpened once a year and just stopped at least once prior to each shave. Is that accurate or will I need to send it out to be honed more frequently than that? Also if I leave the spine in contact with strop, won't that round the bevel since it's so low of an angle?

I don't know the salesperson who sold you the razor, I'm sure their advice was given with a good intention, but the advice is a little off, to say the least. No one can answer as to how long it will hold the edge after shave readied. When the razor starts to become uncomfortable, pull slightly, then a touch-up may be in order. Everyone's face is different & how you maintain the edge means a lot. Proper stropping means a lot.

The bevel is not what you need to worry about while stropping, it's the "edge"; this is a difference you will learn. Rolling the edge is a concern when raising the spine.

Everything will come in time & take the journey slow, that's the best way.

Justin, this member is in Oakham. PM him if he is close to you. PM him anyway if not to see if he knows someone nearer to you that can help.

petercp4e (Oakham)

I live near an Art of Shaving. Their razors are not shave ready. In fact many of their customers have come to me to hone their razor. I have my business cards in my local Art of Shaving. You may want to inquire if they have a local honed. Good luck and welco me.

I sent him a message Razorfeld so now I shall play the waiting game! I also wathced Lynn's video on stroping and have a much better idea on what to do now.I sent him a direct message requesting his services to help hone an edge. I'll ask the art of shaving people as well! thanks everyone so far dfor the great advice!

Welcome Justin.
I have already talked via messaging to Justin and am going to plan to meet with him shortly. It's great to see some new, young people getting involved in straight razor shaving.
I'm looking forward to getting you on the path to great shaves.
Soon you'll be an "old pro" that's still young.

Pete <:-}