Thread: My first razors and other tools. advice?

I'm gonna go ahead and give Utopian a free plug right here. I sent him a brand new blade and althought he said he specializes in vintage blades, he gave me a great edge and is a super smooth shaver. The best part? Right now, he's offering free honing. Deals like this don't come up often, and I'd suggest jumping on it.

Thats a great deal for $15 ..
I dont think the Kellog will ever shave again.. and the Royal gold has some black stuff on the bevel that I would really worry about.. but the Torreys wostenholm and Morley seem to be pretty ok.


Maarten

Whatever you spend on your honing is worth every penny! Unless you have a friend who shaves with straights and can totally trust him enough to put the proper edge on it, I'd highly recommend one of our honemeisters. Do not take it to someone who sharpens knives to save a few bucks. Get it done right the first time. It's cheaper that way, and your face will thank you for it!

As to hones, it will depend on what you actually do with them. If your goals are to get bargain razors from ebay or craft/antique shops and restore them then you should get 220/1000, 4000, 8000, and a finishing/polishing hone. If you just want to do the maintenance on ones already honed for you, a 4000, 8000 and finishing hone will get you by for quite some time. I have been using straights for 9 months now and have a Norton 4000/8000 combo stone and a pasted strop. They maintain my edge just fine for me. I sent mine to Lynn for initial honing and just do touch ups as required.