Thread: Straight Razor 1, Face 0

+1 on regularjoe's post. A few questions if you dont mind and I think the SRP community can help get you to where you want to be.

What kind of razor do you have?
It's a Lombard Co. I bought from Ebay. That's a the information l have on it. I've found nothing on this company in the research I've done.
If new, was it a factory edge usually labeled as shave ready, or was it honed shave ready by a pro? If old, was it, or did you hone it?
I had it honed. The full explanation is above.
Do you have and did you strop it?
I have one ordered, but I didn't use one tonight.
Based on these I'm sure technique and prep will follow. Don't get disillusioned by the first attempt, it will get better and you'll end up loving the learning curve. We all have our scars and first attempts and I think look back fondly upon them. It'll get fun!! Hang in there!!

Thank you for your advice!

Tyler

Originally Posted by tkpeebles

Thanks for your comments and great advice! I am glad you are all out there to share your thoughts and help me get into this the right way. I do have a question about the razor.
I had it honed by a gentlemen that has a cutlery business close to where I work. I don't know the man and had never met him prior to today. He claimed that he had honed several razors from time to time and had never had one brought back. He also said that he hadn't honed one in a while and that if I had any problems, he would be more than happy to take another look at it. When I shaved earlier, I noticed a good amount of tugging and sticking. I examined my angle and noticed I was a bit high. I decreased the angle and ,though it glided more smoothly, it didn't cut as well. I have read not to be quick to blame the blade and that it's probably technique (which I know is terrible), but how would I know that the razor is where it needs to be?
Thanks again.
Skål
Tyler

I think this is one of those times to " blame the blade". Technique probably played a part, but I'm most positive that the cutlery guy doesn't know razor sharpening!! Start by getting your razor honed by one of the expert members here at SRP. Here's a link to the page. I'd recommend one, but look at their credentials and you won't go wrong. Get a professional edge, try again, and let us know, then, how it went! Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Howard

Edit: I did it again. Responded while you were. Still the response is germane. You really need to get it honed by one of our pros, and then you'll be able to progress with some valid feedback and make progress. You won't believe the difference after!!!

+100 to what the guys above said!!

I see I may have found the culprit! I do ,however, believe everyone should get a second chance, so I'll be revisiting my honemeister tomorrow. At least I'll know to STOP if things don't go so well the next time around! Many thanks to all your help and advise.

Skål
Tyler

If I was you I would not take it back to the person who sharpened it for you the first time. There is a huge difference between sharpening a knife and a razor. I can do the former and get wicked edges and am in the process of learning to sharpen razors. Major difference.

Send it to someone from here (Larry at Whippeddog.com does great work as well) and you will be happy. Concentrate on the angle of the blade and no pressure as you attempt it again. For me I put the blade to my face at least 3-4 times trying to shave with a straight but without luck. The blade would sort of stick. I didn't push the issue and picked up my trusted DE and finished the shave. One day I finally got the angle and pressure right and suddenly I was shaving with a straight. Haven't looked back since.

Keep at it, it'll all drop in place soon enough.

Charlie

I agree 1,000 percent with CharlieTN. Don't take it back to the guy who sharpened it for you the first time. Maybe the reason he's never had a razor returned is because everyone he's sharpened for before either gave up or read here to not go back. No reflection on him. He may be a world-class knife sharpener. I can sharpen a knife, too, have for years, but a razor is a whole different animal. And I've dealt with Larry at Whippeddog.com and he is a great guy and quick. Sending it out will also give your face time to recover

If it "hurt" it's one of 3 things,

1) Your razor is dull
2) Bad angle
3) Too much pressure


From what you have written it sounds to me like your razor is not properly "Shave Ready" and you were using WAY too much pressure (this takes some time to learn, NO pressure when shaving, let the blade do the work)

I would agree with the suggestions you send it out for proper honing, but I do have to ask, what kind of straight razor is it? Is it a known brand like a Dovo or Theirs Issard? or is it an inexpensive razor you can get off Ebay or Amazon? the reason I ask is that there are many blades available online or at local stores that are in essence RSO's (Razor Shaped Objects) they are made with crappy metal and will not really take or hold an edge. If it's one of those then don't waste your money, buy a properly shave ready razor...

I agree. I came to straight shaving after learning to sharpen for woodworking. After I noticed that I could shave with my chisels, I got a straight razor. But learning to sharpen a razor took a little getting used to.

It's not rocket science; but it is different from sharpening other things.
If you really want to go back to that other guy, first ask him if he actually shaves regularly with a straight, especially the ones that he sharpens himself.

Guys, a few weeks ago someone posted about members volunteering to mentor the new guys, at least showing them how to strop. How's that going? I'd be willing to help out someone in my area. I don't know if Tyler has someone nearby.

I do know that he does not shave with a straight. He said he used to deal in razors, strops, etc. Although this time didn't work out, I don't question his experience or honesty. I don't see how asking him to take another look at it would be a bad thing. I don't have a problem sending it off, I just like being able to have that service available to me nearby. If it doesn't work this go around, then I'll definitely try other means.

Oh boy...