Thread: Help Me Get My Ducks in a Row.

I've been on this forum daily since I've joined, reading and watching linked videos and the like. Most of my questions have already been answered, but I have a few things on my mind that haven't been, so I figured I'd ask them here! I have a razor in mind, that was recommended to me by a member of another forum, so I'm pretty set on that unless it either sells before I can pull the trigger, or something better pops up in the mean time. I have an Illinois 827, seems some people like them, others don't, but I could have done worse. I've been wet shaving with DE, SE, and injectors for +/- 11 years now, I think my prep and software issues have been sorted out. I feel confident that I can strop without doing irreversible damage to a blade, and be able to tell if I do mess something up. I have quite a few high quality soaps, and about the only thing I've heard to do differently is lather wetter than I would for a safety razor. On to my questions: 1.) Is there any other recommended gear besides razor, strop and what I've stated? I don't use pre-shave oil because it seems to ruin lather, I have an alum block to help with skin stretching if needed. 2.) What's the consensus on post shave treatment of the razor? I plan to strop after to thoroughly dry, but it seems some oil their blades to prevent rust. Would mineral oil be acceptable for this? Is Vaseline better? I intend to use the straight as often as possible, but won't reach for it if I don't feel like I have enough time to fully devote to the shave, so it might only be once or twice on the weekends. 3.) Any other recommendations for post shave? I have alum, as previously stated, a styptic pencil if the alum doesn't work, and 911 and my affairs in order past that! (Joking, I think!) Sorry for being so long winded, but it's a pretty big step for me, and want to have the smoothest transition possible to have the biggest chance of success!

Concerning question one, I like using a scuttle to start my lather in and to keep it warm. A simple bowl or ramekin will work too. I use both a straight and a DE and lather the same for both.

For question two I have to say I have never oiled my blade and have had no rust issues. Remember to not get the scales wet. After every pass I rinse the blade in hot water, with my fingers over the scales at the pivot pin, holding the toe end down so the water is running away from the scales. Then I wipe the blade off with the same tissue I wipe soap off on. On the final pass I make sure the blade gets hot under the water then wipe it off well, paying special attention to the tang area. Then I do clean up and strop. I also let the razor air dry for several hours before closing the razor. Finally, I don't store my razors in the bathroom.

On question three, I would just use the same routine/products you used with a DE. Most of the time I use Witch Hazel followed by a balm. Keeping a styptic pencil around is a good idea.

I think you are on the right path
Keep the inside of your razor dry, I wipe mine with kleenex after drying on the towel
I rarely worry about post shave, just apply some aftershave because i like the smell
Don"t overthink it. All your normal wet shave techniques apply, have fun with it, its just a different tool to accomplish a simple task
Best to ya
Mike

Looks like you have most of your ducks lined up. The only additional equipment I would consider would be a barber hone for touch ups when the razor starts getting dull, a razor can be maintained for years with a barber hone and they are not that expensive.

You might try practicing stropping with a butter knife to establish proper technique, pressure (none) and muscle memory.

Good luck on your straight razors having journey!

You are definitely on the right path.

1) Additional gear you might want include a CrOx pasted strop, a barber hone or a 12k or higher finishing stone - all for touching up the blade.

2). Post shave I rinse my blade in hot water. Towel dry the razor, then dry it with a nanocloth (including inside the scales). Then I strop it a bit.
I oil the pivot point after a week of use. I oil the whole blade when I touch it up - maybe once a month or so.

3) Post shave for me is hot water rinse, cold water rinse, witchhazel rubdown, and then aftershave.

Originally Posted by DoughBoy68

Looks like you have most of your ducks lined up. The only additional equipment I would consider would be a barber hone for touch ups when the razor starts getting dull, a razor can be maintained for years with a barber hone and they are not that expensive.

You might try practicing stropping with a butter knife to establish proper technique, pressure (none) and muscle memory.

Good luck on your straight razors having journey!

I'm going to wait a bit for any hones. One step at a time!

Might want a second straight, that way when your first inevitably dulls you'll have something to use until you get the edge sorted out.

I would hold off on pastes until you're better with stropping. Keep in mind that a bad stroke on a strop can harm an edge, so a bad stroke on paste can really make things uncomfortable quick.

I do like the barber hone suggestion.

I'm here to echo Leatherstockiings sentiments and to also recommend Geo. F. Trumper's skin foods or Castle Forbes after shaves for post-shave products. Of course, as always with wet shaving, your mileage may vary. Also wise to pick up a second straight razor if you get a chance and possibly one in a slightly larger/smaller size to see which size you prefer to use most. Don't get too caught up in bigger is better; medium size blades tend to be more agile.

Welcome to SRP, it seems the great folks here have answered your questions and even given you more info.
Enjoy your journey and have fun!

Sounds like you have it pretty sorted. Used to use oil but then you always need to clean it before stropping or use. I use renwax now and find it great and it lasts a while so only need to do once a week. I also like witch hazel post shave.