Thread: Hi switching to a straight razor

Heres what i picked out to get started.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st...il.html?s=G150 and a strop

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st....html?s=IRS127

I believe i picked out a quality knife the strop probably not so much. I didnt buy any soaps or brushes but for cream im going to try using

http://www.edgeactivecare.com/

Any comments etc?

Welcome aboard. DOVOs make competent shavers but you should send the razor in for honing service. Off the top of my head, I'll recommend Joe Chandler, Lynn Abrams and Josh Earl. Illinois strops are ok and this one should be just fine for daily stropping. You need something to touch up the edges every 5-15 shaves with.. Here are a few options:
1) Pasted paddle strop -- cheap, easy, effective
2) Coticule - generally good hone, but expensive
3) Finer Nortons or Shaptons (15,000+ grit) -- pricey but a sure bet
4) Finishing barber hones -- cheap, but not all of them are created equal

Welcome to SRP! Once again Ilija's beaten me to the punch and given out good advice....many of the guys around here like Mama Bear's soaps....you can find her in the Vendor's Corner forum.....

My favourites are from Colleen http://www.thegentlemensquarter.com/ Especially Cavendish Black and Leatherneck. I'll be trying some of MB's soaps though, as soon as she comes up with a special secret project

ordered one of these also it should work.

http://www.amazon.com/Arkansas-Stone.../dp/B00068ZSAI

These are hit and miss. While some of our members use Arkansas stones, I'm not sure how well this particular one will be as a finisher.