Thread: Another Newbie looking to join the ranks

Welcome, Scott. We're glad to see you here.

I've been drooling over the vintage razors at SRD as well. It's very common when starting out to compromise the razors shaving edge to some degree or another; worst case - chip or ding the edge...not so worst case-bring the edge out of true shave ready status when learning to strop correctly.

I would certainly assume that all razors on SRD are sold shave ready. But, because of the fairly high probability of reducing a shave ready edge to something less acceptable when starting out, I recommend you either or also post a Want To Buy (WTB) thread in the Buy Sell Trade forum here asking for an inexpensive SHAVE READY razor. That way you have two if you decide to buy one from SRD.

My intent is not to discourage you or set you up to assume you're going to compromise your edges. You may very well be OK. But, it doesn't take much for a straight razor edge to go from keen to something else. Sometimes it's just incorrect stropping and a very good, proper and thorough stropping brings a shave ready razor back. Having more than one razor to start keeps you shaving if one, for whatever reason is out until the problem is fixed.

Chris L

Chris,

Thanks for the insight. I will post in the b/s/t forum for a cheap shave ready razor; I already have an zeepk razor and strop to at least practice the motions with.

Any advice on what size and grind I should be looking for?

Any other advice would be great too.

Thanks!
Scott

There's more advice in a post I made yesterday. Click here.

In other words, the BST forum is good, but there are some members who have specials just for newbies, which you might want to look at first. The trouble with the BST is that really good buys get snapped up so quickly.... You almost have to watch it 24/7....

Originally Posted by fritz

There's more advice in a post I made yesterday. Click here.

In other words, the BST forum is good, but there are some members who have specials just for newbies, which you might want to look at first. The trouble with the BST is that really good buys get snapped up so quickly.... You almost have to watch it 24/7....

Der Fritzer,

Thanks alot for the links!
If nothing turns up from my post in the BST forum I'll probably go for one of the wapis w/hone vouchers.

Thanks alot again for the help!
Any other advice you may have for a newbie like me would be greatly appreciated.

Very Respectfully,
Scott

Hi Scott

Welcome to SRP. Keep an eye out for the Red Sticky threads, those usually contain loads of advice and help for newbies (I'm one too). No question is a stupid one and all will be answered.

Hope you enjoy your stay, see you around the boards.

Welcome to SRP Scott.

I hate to tell you this but you're gonna end up with more than one razor.

Onimaru55,

I completely agree, I definately want a couple razors so I can experience a variety of brands and grounds. Do you have any type you might recommend? I just purchased two Wapis, and a bengall hollow ground.

A question to which I can't seem to find an answer, despite the fact I'm sure its looking me in the face, is the honing pyrimid. What is that? Also, are there any videos of proper honing techs?

Thanks again for any and all help!
Scott

Originally Posted by Smurf87

I completely agree, I definately want a couple razors so I can experience a variety of brands and grounds. Do you have any type you might recommend? I just purchased two Wapis, and a bengall hollow ground.

A question to which I can't seem to find an answer, despite the fact I'm sure its looking me in the face, is the honing pyrimid. What is that? Also, are there any videos of proper honing techs?

Thanks again for any and all help!
Scott

Oh, boy, do I have recommendations for you
But seriously, I think you should stick with your bengal (mostly) and wapi for good two months to get the hang of shaving, before you embark on razor promiscuity

Pyramid - look for lynn's videos on honing. It's on his DVD, not sure if he has put these parts up on youtube. David (heavydutysg) has extremely helpful honing videos on youtube.

Yeah, what gugi said. Recomendations ? Just a few.
You've got nice enough razors right there- except the Zeepk.
You can practice honing on your Wapis & Zeepk. That will keep your learning curve inexpensive.

Assuming your razors are all shave ready you'll find your Wapis will need honing long before your Bengall. Sheffield steel is that much harder but the Wapis are very forgiving & should give you a positive start..

I don't use a pyramid when honing but you may find it helpful. Seems a safe way to prevent overhoning. Definitely refer to Lynn's vid. One thing I do strongly recommend is get a microscope or Jeweller's loupe. It helps demystify the honing process when you can see your results.

Sounds like you have all the advise you can use to start out.
Here is another good resource for you: The Interactive Guide to Straight Razor Shaving - Badger & Blade
Welcome to the brotherhood of the blade. Enjoy the journey!