Thread: Starter setup

So, I've been talking about wanting a straight razor so much lately that my wife went out and got me a set for my birthday. It's honestly the most thoughtful gift I have ever received, but she also didn't know how to research the items other than talking to salesmen in the mall. I know there are a few things that I need to upgrade, I would appreciate it if you guys could help me decide what to start with.

First off, I think the blade is probably fine. It just says "SOLINGER - Made in Germany" on the blade, but other than that no markings. Plain generic black handle. I could tell when I got it that it wasn't quite 'shave ready', and that was before I found this wonderful site.


Strop - This one seems suspect to me. No brand or other markings, just a sticker that says 'made in Pakistan'. I'm fairly certain this needs to be upgraded first. the leather side is hard with a polished look, not supple like the dovo ones I've seen in stores lately.

Brush - synthetic 'badger hair' style brush. Not the best, but it gets the job done. My guess is it's just fine for now. The shaving cream I am using is made by truefitt & hill.

Stone - colonel conk. Don't know much about it, even the grit. I have tried using it, but I have no idea how long it should take and I don't have enough experience to be able to tell when it is sharp enough. Here's a link to another store that carries it: linky

Final question. I have decided that I am unable to tell what 'shave ready' is. I'm willing to make the small investment to have it sharpened for me, so I can use that as a benchmark. I just need to know how to find a nearby honemeister that is available. I am in California if that matters.

First I'd like to start by welcoming you to SRP! If you have a desire to learn how to use a straight there is no better place to gain knowledge then here IMO.

That looks like an excellent razor to begin with. My first recommendation would be to get that razor honed by a professional. There are several members here that would hone it for you, just ask around. By getting your razor in shave-ready condition, you will get an understanding of what "sharp" feels like. As for the brush, it will do fine for now and you can upgrade to a badger brush in the future. As for the strop, I really don't know if it will be suitable, as Pakistani products have a reputation for being of poor quality. As for the hone, I will leave that question open for others because I don't know much about that product. I use a Norton 4K/8K to hone my razors, and to strop my razors I use a DOVO strop.

The single most important item that I recommend you buying is Lynn's DVD, as it will show you everything you need to know about learning to use a straight. If you are considering buying a new strop or hone, check out the classifieds section on here because you can find quality products at a fair price.

Welcome to SRP,

If you look at the classifieds there are ads for honing services. Alternatively few vendors (straightrazordesigns, thewellshavedgentleman, vintageblades, classicshaving) offer these as well (and it looks like it's still members who do the honing for them). David (heavydutysg) is in California, but he seems to be busy lately, so I don't know if he'll be able to hone your razor, but you can always check. Otherwise the mail in US is fairly quick.

Originally Posted by dangerp

Stone - colonel conk. Don't know much about it, even the grit. I have tried using it, but I have no idea how long it should take and I don't have enough experience to be able to tell when it is sharp enough. Here's a link to another store that carries it: linky

There is a thread in the hones section about that stone. It is not likely to be enough, you will probably want at least a barbers hone like a swatty to finish with it.

I have heard (read) others point out that the Solingen name for new razors is a bit overused, especially by Pakistani manufacturers that just assemble the razor in Germany out of Pakistani parts. If this the case with your razor, it's possible that honing it won't help for very long. When you eventually replace the strop and the hone, you might want to get another razor as well.

Have you used any of the stuff yet? Would it be possible to get your wife's money back? If not, just thank her profusely and secretly get a stash of replacements!

Thanks for all the help guys! So here's my newly decided plan of action:

1. Send out the blade to get honed (probably to straight razor designs)
2. Get a decent strop (seriously, this one looks horrible to even me)
3. Get a norton before it's time to hone again
4. Continue to spend money on this hobby for the next several months even though the original intent was to save cash (from cartridges)
5. Use the colonel for other misc (non-razor) sharpening needs.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I have heard (read) others point out that the Solingen name for new razors is a bit overused, especially by Pakistani manufacturers that just assemble the razor in Germany out of Pakistani parts. If this the case with your razor, it's possible that honing it won't help for very long. When you eventually replace the strop and the hone, you might want to get another razor as well.

Have you used any of the stuff yet? Would it be possible to get your wife's money back? If not, just thank her profusely and secretly get a stash of replacements!

I was a little afraid of that. Do you think the person who hones my razor might be able to tell?

And no, no option for returning, but I can always keep it as a practice blade...

I have never had the privilege of honing a Pakistani razor. I've always been tempted to buy one, like a Zeepk, just to see what they are like, but I just can't bring myself to financially support their efforts. I'm certainly no expert, but I believe that in general, you can get some sense of the quality of the steel of the razor during the honing. If the steel is soft, it will hone up quickly but won't hold the edge for long. I would assume that if you send it to one of the people on this forum who regular offer honing services, they will be able to competently advise you about your razor.

Also, keep in mind that your razor might be just fine. I suggested possibility that it is Pakistani (aka crap) but I don't know that for a fact. As you said, even if the razor is not great, you can always use it for practice.

If the razor turns out to be a re-shaped butter knife, just be sure to tell your wonderful wife that you learned on this forum about the need to have a full rotation of razors in order to keep them in optimal condition. That will justify your need for a few additional razors. Then you can introduce her to the lesser know concepts of strop and hone rotations!

Stropping with Pakistani equipment has given lots of folks fits on this site over the years. You're far better off IMHO using vintage razors to get you going. I make my own strops out of cowhide and they do a good job. I'd also suggest you get a good stone. A belgian bout (odd shaped but pure coticule) is an inexpensive way to start and I love them. I keep one in my medicine cabinet for quick, weekly laps to keep my edge sharp.

Shave ready. That means it's ready for your face and has been honed and stropped correctly. Factory edges are not shave ready. They're where you start!

Keep at it. You're engaged in a rewarding hobby. My shaves last a day and a half and my skin has never been smoother. Takes some time to get there but worth the investment.

I will agree with the suggestion of getting a second razor while this one is off being honed. (I fear that if it is new with no other markings it may not be worth honing as I would suspect it may not have been manufactured in Solingen.) A quick look in the classifieds will usually turn up a shave ready razor for around $30 - 40 with plain black scales. The full rotation of razors that Utopian speaks of are commonly known as 7 day sets (one razor for each day of the week). At least 7 day sets are a good starting point before carrying on the the one and six month shaving sets.

It sounds like good shaving cream and the brush will, as you say, be good until you have proven to yourself that you will stick to shaving with a straight. Then next year (if another group buy comes around) you can get the 2009 SRP shaving brush.

You will find lots of good reading here and helpful advice. You will also find that if you are willing to sign a blank cheque to acquire razors, strops, hones, creams, lotions, brushes and mugs most of us are more than willing to help you build your collection (many of us have been cut off from spending our own money and have to live through others acquisitions.)

It is good that you found this place before writing off straight shaving due to a poorly sharpened razor. As Howard said- keep at it- it really can be a rewarding hobby.