Thread: Help please - been bought razor - no idea what to do!

Hi all

I have been bought a razor for my birthday and took it out of the box today to get started... and don't know where to start.

I have a Salter razor, brush, strop, some strop gel and a basic guide on how to shave.

I have watched a few tutorial videos on youtube and I feel ready to give that a go, it's everything else I'm unsure of.

Firstly, the strop. Do I need to treat it before I use it. If so, how do I do, with what and how mant times. When I am shaving regularly, do I need to keep treating the strop and again how often.

Do I need to use the strop everytime before I shave?

Next, do I need to apply shaving oil before shaving, if so any advice on any particular brands?

Think that's about it for now! Sorry the questions are probably very basic, but having looked at lots of guides, none of them realy answer these questions.


thanks

Hi and welcome,

First you need to know whether the razor is shave-ready, most straights are not shave-ready out of the box, so you need to get it honed first if that has not been done yet.

If you can shave hairs off your arm it will be shave ready and you can start using it.

Dry well after shaving to prevent rusting.

After honing you need to strop it.If the leather of the strop is supple you need not treat it.

Strop it with the spine leading and be careful to keep the blade flat on the leather. 50 laps on the leather should be fine.

Skin and beard preparation are essential with straight razor shaving.

If you don't know what you're doing and are ready to start shaving with a straight razor, click here

I agree with Kees. None of this will do any good if you cannot shave with your new razor. It must be shave ready. Secondly, The strop, if it is soft need not be conditoned. If you take care of the strop and keep it from getting wet or exposed to the elements you'll only need to treat it when it starts to get worn. This probably will not happen for a very long time. I have strops that are several years old and have only been treated once.
Thirdly, Yes you must strop it after or before every shave depending on your preference. This procedure really does come down to your preference. Most times I strop after I shave with a razor provided there are no time contraints. If I am pressed for time, I just strop before I use the razor the next time. Finally, You do not necessarily need shaving oil. It can help in the preparation of your beard. This too is a preference. Some find it really helps to prepare their beard and enables a smoother shave, others do not need it. I am in the latter percentage. I have been shaving with a straight for so many years that it does not perpetuate a better shave for me. You can make your own pre-shave oil with some extra virgin olive oil, a natural cold pressed castor oil and liquid glycerin. You can add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil for a nicer scent if you'd like. Just utilize about 1/3 of each ingredient in a small dispenser putting only a couple of drops of the essential oil and you'll have as good a pre-shave oil as store bought. I hope this helps you some.

Hey Kee's one would think you would remember a little about the Salter Razor

A very hearty welcome to SRP! Do two things. 1. Send your razor to one of the honemeisters in the classifieds. 2. Get a copy of Lynn's CD. It contains a wealth of great information forthe beginner. As tempting as it is to jump right in, don't. Take your time. Read through the forums to pick up the information. Ask questions. The only dumb question is the one not asked. Very few people are born with the necessary skill set to just pick up the razor and get a great shave the first time. At least I know I wasn't. You will havce to develop those skills over time. Also, you'll need more than just your razor. You'll need the following as a bare minimum:

1. Shave ready razor
2. Strop (hanging would be ideal, but a paddle will work)
3. Shave cream or soap (persoanl choice)
4. Brush (can be had for $10 or less, or for several hundred should you have the income to get one)

Best of luck...

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Hey Kee's one would think you would remember a little about the Salter Razor

Hi Tim,

Of course I remember. I wasn't sure whether fernandovaz' razor was the same brand or not as he did not call it Cyril Salter. I do believe I have read about others who had more luck with their Cyril Salters. Some say Cyril Salters are rebranded DOVOs. I did not want to discourage a newb so I decided not to mention it. I guessed he would send it off to a honemeister anyway and would have found out soon enough.

If you feel I took the wrong decision not to mention it feel free to post your opinion in this thread.

Originally Posted by Kees

Hi Tim,

Of course I remember. I wasn't sure whether fernandovaz' razor was the same brand or not as he did not call it Cyril Salter. I do believe I have read about others who had more luck with their Cyril Salters. Some say Cyril Salters are rebranded DOVOs. I did not want to discourage a newb so I decided not to mention it. I guessed he would send it off to a honemeister anyway and would have found out soon enough.

If you feel I took the wrong decision not to mention it feel free to post your opinion in this thread.

The razor I have says Cyril R Salter on the side and Solingen on the blade. It was bought for me as a present with a brush and stand. I will contact the website to see if it is ready to shave or needs to be honed.

Another quick question. When I use the stop before I shave, I have seen the "figure of eight" method of doing it. How many times should I do this each time before I shave?

Thanks for all the advice so far - this forum is great!

Originally Posted by fernandovaz

Another quick question. When I use the stop before I shave, I have seen the "figure of eight" method of doing it. How many times should I do this each time before I shave?

Thanks for all the advice so far - this forum is great!

Most likely it will need to be honed, even if the website says it doesn't, if it doesn't shave worth a darn odds are it really needs to e honed.

How many times to strop?

Thats the question.

Well.... I'd say at least thirty, not more than sixty, times down and back. Others will come up with other numbers, so.....

Anyway, at first this will seem like it takes forever, but it's better to take your time and go slowly at first. It is possible to dull your razor with improper stropping. It's also possible to mess up your strop by trying to go to fast. So take your time, and you will speed up over time. No matter how fast you get as stropping, never be in a hurry thats when mistakes happen.

How is the best way to get the blade honed? I am in the UK.