Thread: Noob - professional honing

Hi everybody

Just got delivery of my new razor, a Cyril R Salter straight razor with a Solingen blade.

Unfortunately it arrived un-sharpened and my attempts to hone it have just made it even more dull. So rather than damaging it i've decided to get it honed by a professional. The problem is, i've got no idea who the best person/company is to send it to in the UK.

Any help is gratefully received.

Hello, gencer:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Steve Dempster of The Invisible Edge in the UK is a member here and a master at what he does. Neil Miller, also a member here, is another good choice.

Regards,
Obie

Look here for a honemeister near you.

Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

I can vouch for Gary Haywood he puts a very good edge on a razor and is a gent to deal with too not that the others mentioned aren't you understand just giving you another choice phew !

ian

Thanks for replies. I'll probably get in touch with Gary Haywood fairly soon. The recommendations on the classified are all very positive.

Just out of curiosity, how long usually is it before a razor would require re-honing ?
I usually shave twice a week as it takes me ages to grow stubble and it's not that course either.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by gencer

Just out of curiosity, how long usually is it before a razor would require re-honing ?
I usually shave twice a week as it takes me ages to grow stubble and it's not that course either.

Thanks.

Hello, gencer:

Shaving twice a week, I would say probably every six months, maybe a little longer, between honing. That's how I would do it, anyway. Others might go shorter or longer.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks for the info Obie.

Even with sending off it for honing it still works out better than spending money on gillette razors blades.

Originally Posted by gencer

Thanks for the info Obie.

Even with sending off it for honing it still works out better than spending money on gillette razors blades.

Hello, gencer:

How true, indeed. Since you're just starting out, it's a good idea you start with a good and shave-ready razor. Eventually you will learn to do our own honing. For now, though, it is important to concentrate on your straight razor and lather-making skills. Take your time and hone your skill. Read the tutorials in the Wiki, and watch as many shaving videos as you can. Finally, if you have questions, please post them and you will have your answer in no time.

Regards
Obie

I would just say 'watch it' with the Salter - I have honed quite a few and the results vary from very good to just about usable - I don't know if the steel is varied or exactly what it is but if you get a decent one they're OK - if not, buy something else!

PS thanks for the kind words Obie!

I wouldn't bother sending it out, personally. It's on our list of straight razors to avoid:
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Based on comments in this thread from '08:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...get-sharp.html