Thread: New guy with a question about Col. Conk

Sammy,
Welcome to SRP... you obviously have a great razor! Now.. you need to read the Wiki on this site and anyother and learn what to do with it. There are videos to view about every aspect of this process.. I'm a beginner too and have only been actually shaving a few weeks... I love it... shaves get better with practice... The experienced guys here are extremely helpful and approachable so don't be afraid to ask questions...

You need to read the list of other items you need. in the begining of this forum.. you can start to acquire these items while you are sending your razor to be honed... you'll need to send your razor to be honed about 2 times a year to keep it sharp... you need to strop your razor before each shave in order to keep the edge sharp and polished enough to give you consistant smooth shaves..honing can come later if you want..but requires quite a few quality stones and lots and lots of practice.

Once you get a sharp razor keeping it sharp is the next key.. that means stroping and it takes a little practice to get it correct....

you need to learn to prepare your beard for shaving... shower... preshave oil or cream... hot towels etc..

On this site is a DVD for begininers and others, offered by the founder Lynn Abrams... it is mentioned at the begining of this forum... I bought it and highly recommed it... you'll shorten your learning curve if you'll get this dvd and watch it several times!

don't go cheap on soaps, creams, oils... the quality stuff gives you better cushion and a more comfortable shave... eventually you can spend as much as you want on a quality brush... in the begining it's better to spend on the other stuff if money is any issue at all...

till you get the skill down you are going to nick your strop. so I wouldn't buy a 100.00 strop in the begining either.

It's fun to shave with a straight... and once you get it down... you can get a closer shave then with any other method...

one more pearl.... use a very light touch when you decide to shave.. no pressure... none... it shouldn't be necessary... if you feel it is... your razor is dull!!

Good Luck! Have fun... happy new year!
Maq

Send it to lynn for a good first honing and you will be in business.

Hi Mat,
I also live in Victoria BC and I am also new to shaving with a straight razor. My Dovo Razor, which I purchased used is in desperate need of sharpening. I am curious, did you ever find a place or person in Victoria BC that does hone razors?
Thanks, Klaus