Thread: Starter questions, more opinions the better :)

I agree - there seems to be very little difference between the qualities of the factory manufacturers in terms of let's say entry level steel. I have no experience of the new Bokers though, so others will have to inform you there.

I generally advise people for their first razor to not go overboard with price. An entry level Dovo (Best Quality) is a really good choice IMO: it is a plain, good quality razor that will do the job well and let you learn the ropes. A bit like the Toyota Corolla of razors..

There's nothing wrong with TIs either - they just seem a little more expensive to me.

A good quality strop basically boils down to good quality leather (and I guess hardware and finish). But basically if the leather is OK (smooth, decent finish) the strop will be OK.

James.

I am thankful for much of the advice given so far! I should have originally added that i was already set on having it honed and sharpened by a professional but im glad you guys are quick to pick up on things that most probably would not have. I do in the long run think i would like to hone my own blade(s) and believe i can do so adequately with the Norton 4k/8k and potentially a 12k or 16k for polishing If learn they are a good idea. however that is besides the point!

I believe the second person to respond (thank you but i forgot your name , i should have quoted) suggested a revisor razor. Does anybody have any information on how they compare to the other three i suggested? looking on their website, it is very clear that they have some beautiful razors! unfortunately though the majority of the website is in german, and its hard to tell some of the details. Can some one tell me how to tell if the blade is carbon steel or stainless steel? I read in another post that the owner is a great guy, so maybe ill email him. does anyone know if they send out the blades pre-honed?

One last question on the strops? Especially on the SRD website, most of the strops come as a double set? and that the second is made of vinyl or something likewise? I watched Lynns video on the stropping and he most certainly had two back to back. im just curious as to what purpose the non-leather one serves and how much of an effect does it have on the shave?

Thank you all so much!

In theory, the linen / canvas / pressed wool serves two purposes. The first is that it heats up the edge of the blade prior to hitting the leather, which in theory should provide a smoother edge. The material in theory can also remove any microscopic bevel issues, which would prevent you from nicking the strop.

Does it do these things? I don't know, and there is debate on this forum and others regarding stropping.

I use both. Its part of my routine. I get comfortable shaves, and I'm not going to argue with the results.

You gotta do what feels right to you, and what makes the shave most comfortable and enjoyable.

The material also provides a medium for pastes, like diamond or CrOx, which is used to touch up an edge when its not quite up to par.

SRD strops are nice, as they sell replacement pieces. That way, if you nick your leather or want to try a new one, you can just buy the leather piece and go.

Revisor sell both CS & SS. Just click on a razor & the description will say stainless if it is stainless . Anything else like normalstahl is CS.

Strops get dirty with steel particles.. A non leather strop is a precursor to leather & saves the leather somewhat.

Originally Posted by Xyphota

I believe the second person to respond (thank you but i forgot your name , i should have quoted) suggested a revisor razor. Does anybody have any information on how they compare to the other three i suggested? looking on their website, it is very clear that they have some beautiful razors! unfortunately though the majority of the website is in german, and its hard to tell some of the details. Can some one tell me how to tell if the blade is carbon steel or stainless steel? I read in another post that the owner is a great guy, so maybe ill email him. does anyone know if they send out the blades pre-honed?

I'm pretty sure they arrive with quite good edges, not like the big productions. If nothing is mentioned about the steel you should assume it's high carbon steel, stainless is far rarer and will be noted. But stainless steel for razors is also high carbon steel - nothing to do with your stainless forks and will rust very easily, just not as easy as the high-carbon. Of course, for the best information on a razor contact the vendor for details.

Originally Posted by Xyphota

One last question on the strops? Especially on the SRD website, most of the strops come as a double set? and that the second is made of vinyl or something likewise? I watched Lynns video on the stropping and he most certainly had two back to back. im just curious as to what purpose the non-leather one serves and how much of an effect does it have on the shave?

It's essential for keeping the edge sharp long time. With only plain leather stropping you'll have to take the razor to the hone far more often. If there's any debate about it, it's from people who haven't really tested the difference. If you dig through the old threads from years ago you'll find experiments running for months and may be into years dedicated to exactly this issue.

The polymer fabric has a weird feel while stropping, especially at the beginning, like driving over those metal bridges, but with time it becomes more normal and may be one gets more used to it. It functions well though. Not that the fabric component on the illinois strops isn't weird when new, just in a different way.