Thread: How to know if Razor is "Shave Ready"

I've bought a strop, razor, shaving cream, badger brush. Everything apart from a hone (though I read that you only need to hone, two or three times a year so I don't think it's too urgent just yet). From reading the FAQ I see that sometimes the blade isn't shave ready. Before my maiden voyage, how do I find out if my blade is shave ready. Is there some test I can do?

Also I've downloaded a couple of PDF's from this site. What should I read first, before D-day?

Welcome.

Best way would be to test shave with it.

Most everyone here recommends watching Lynn's video. I would second that.

I've seen a few videos on YouTube to get an idea. Going to be scary the first time. Just wanted to make sure it was sharp enough.

only do your cheeks the first few times. don't go trying to shave your neck or chin with a razor that may or may not be up to the task. those areas are tricky enough with a sharp razor.


on the other hand, if the razor isn't up to par, doing your cheeks wtg will not result in a bloodbath, so start there.

Do you strop DURING the shave or only before and after?

One other question is, I currently have some shaving cream in a tub with a screw on lid. Vulfix Sicilian Lime. Should I still use a cup for whipping up the cream with the brush? So far I've just been dipping the brush in the tub. Been testing the brush and cream whilst still using a normal razor before I take the plunge with all the toys at once!

Originally Posted by longshanks

Do you strop DURING the shave or only before and after?

One other question is, I currently have some shaving cream in a tub with a screw on lid. Vulfix Sicilian Lime. Should I still use a cup for whipping up the cream with the brush? So far I've just been dipping the brush in the tub. Been testing the brush and cream whilst still using a normal razor before I take the plunge with all the toys at once!

everyone is different. i do 20 linen laps, 40 leather laps, do my first pass, another 20 leather laps, then second pass and touch-up.

as far as the cream goes, there are 200 ways to do it and one way is not really better than any of the others. if you are getting lather you like, that's the best way for you!

Originally Posted by jockeys

everyone is different. i do 20 linen laps, 40 leather laps, do my first pass, another 20 leather laps, then second pass and touch-up.

as far as the cream goes, there are 200 ways to do it and one way is not really better than any of the others. if you are getting lather you like, that's the best way for you!

+1 on above comments. Some razors do fine with just stropping before you shave. Some need to be stropped during. It depends on the blade and how hard your beard is on the blade. Starting out, you will need to experiment until you find the mix for you. Start slow, build your comfort zones and progress as you build confidence. Should you start to rush your progress, you will wind up making a blood sacrifice to the angry mirror god.

Did you notice the one constant in all the answers????
Take it slow and easy for your first few shaves....
Unlike most of us who are giving this advice

Welcome aboard the straight train, may you have a long smooth ride....

Welcome. In reading your post, I take it to mean that you've purchased a brand new razor and you're thinking that it may in fact be "shave ready". If it's new stock and has not been honed by an actual person after the purchase, it's extremely unlikely that it's shave ready and your chances are very very likely that your first shave with the factory edge razor would be unimpressive to downright miserable.

I've had steak knives as sharp as a few of the new razors I've purchased (very dull).

Honing prior to shaving would always be recommended.

Chris L

The goal in razor sharpness is that if you were blindfolded and someone was shaving you, you would never be able to tell a razor was sliding down your face. it should be that smooth and comfortable. Of course when you are shaving yourself there is the skill and experience factor and most razors will never meet that lofty goal however your razor should do the job without pulling, skipping, balking and you should be left without any irritation. Maybe after a month or so of shaving you can begin to evaluate your shaves that way. In the meantime if you get no cuts and minimal burn your doing OK.