Thread: Did I mess up?

I got my str8 from SRD last week (first one) and in the excietement I performed a TNT to see what a sharp razor felt like. I've only shaved my cheeks (on my face) twice and am having pretty good result with some weepers and tiny nicks. My question is whether or not I may have messed up the edge by the TNT. I've read since then that it should only be performed in the setting of honing. Please advise if I've messed up on day one. Thanks

I can't say I understand what is meant by TNT but the razors edge is fairly delicate. Just about everything you do to it will affect it to some degree, my dovo came with a sticker that said "touching the cutting edge might cause damages!" etc.. Just use the hanging hair test and if you shave and experience noticable discomfort/agitation then you probably messed it up, on the other hand your technique could be to blame.

Thumb Nail Test past the bevel setter is definately bad news in my humble opinion.

I would try stropping the bajesus out of it on your linen and then leather and see if it helps.

I can't imagine that you did any damage that can't be corrected by a proper stropping. After you strop your razor, I'd be willing to bet that you won't notice a difference in the shave quality between the before and after ill-fated TNT.

I would agree and strop the heck out of it , but if it shaves good without any pulling it should be fine

All the tests (TNT, TPT, HHT etc...) are really only used during the honing process to assess where the edge is.

Ultimately the only test that matters is the shave test. If it shaves good then it is good..!

There is so much information on this site and I've been reading feverishly, but I failed to organize the knowledge. Thanks for guiding us noobies into this art.

Originally Posted by Bevo

There is so much information on this site and I've been reading feverishly, but I failed to organize the knowledge. Thanks for guiding us noobies into this art.

Yeah lots to learn, but it looks like you are coming on well .

Yeah, as a general rule, the only thing you should cut with a razor is hair, unless your honing, then you can use a TNT, but apart from that, i wouldn't touch the blade with anything but hair .

Good luck mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian,

Strop razor, shave and see if all is well.

Don't be down-hearted; when I got my first straight, I ruined the edge three times in three shaves (rolled the edge while stropping, bent the edge when I caught it on the strop and dinged the edge against the tap (faucet))

Luckily things got better after that

In the not too distant future, you will look back and smile about things like this. It is all part of the 'rite of passage' !

Best of luck,

best regards

Russ

The TNT shouldn't be a deal killer. Stropping the lining and leather a bunch should smooth it over.

I think every newbie is touching or playing with the edge of their first straight razor before they shave.

Pabster