Thread: Dutch newb says hello!

Hi Guys,

Started shaving with a straight and like it! some cuts and other inconvieniances at first.
But It is getting better and better.
I found this place on the web lurked for a while and I like it.
My gear so far: Dovo Bismark 5/8, I,ve ordered a Heljestrand 4/8
Dovo strop, badger brush from a german shop called DM (el cheapo).
Soap etc.

When do I need to hone?
What stone?

Hope to learn a lot here!

Rene

Welcome to the forum!
Nice razors. You'll need to hone when stropping just isn't enough. There's no set time & too many variables.
As for stones there are loads of options. Many go for the Norton 4k/8k, others prefer to go natural & get a Belgian blue whetstone (BBW)/ Yellow coticule. These are just two routes of many. A Chinese 12k is a cheap finisher, or thuringian more expensive. Browse the honing forum & reviews.

you cant go wrong with the srones ben mentioned i thimk the 4/8k norton are themost popular

Goededag and welkom!

You might find these Wiki articles useful:

* Beginner's Guide to Honing - Straight Razor Place Wiki

* What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Thanks Guys!

Rene

Hallo Rene,

Welkom bij SRP. Funny you mention a DM brush. My father deceased in July last year and I inherited his used DM plus the two he had bought in advance. Every time he saw a bargain he bought not one but usually 2 or 3! He bought some badger and boar DM's. I haven't tried them yet.

My father needed a new brush every year because he never flicked the dry. He only rinsed them and put them away in the bathroom closet.

Hoi Kees,

DM brush is at least better then the one the vergulde hand sells in Holland!

Rene

Welcome to SRP! You have a lot of good advice above. Most of us here use the 4/8k Norton stones and/or coticules including myself. A cheaper way to go if you buy shave ready str8s and don't expect to get RAD and buy a lot of razors is to go with a barber hone and just touch up the edge when needed approx. 2-3 months. You should start with shave ready str8s and learn to hone on a different razor if you plan on going the Norton route. This way you can practice your shaving technique and honing separately and not be dependent on your honing skills for a good shave.

Originally Posted by ReneK

Hoi Kees,

DM brush is at least better then the one the vergulde hand sells in Holland!

Rene

Hi Rene,

I have been using an Omega boar brush for over 20 years and it still is in great shape.

I never had a Vergulde Hand brush, their soap is crap (dries out on your face) but I heve been using their A/S balm every day for over 20 years..

Welcome to SRP!

+1 on Omega's boar brushes. I have one I picked up slightly used when I started and it's great! It's not the classiest looking brush, but it's very comfortable and gets the job done nicely.