Thread: First timer needs advice

Originally Posted by TaipeiJake

I your better half is awesome.

Darren

You are right. She didn't know what to get. So she and my sister picked three that were recommended. The best one will be here in a few weeks. My brother-in-law does metal detecting. He found a razor that about 125 years old. Not sure if I should leave it as is as a collector or try to have it refinished.

Welcome to the madness. Nice gifts. Following is best advice I can give you.
1.) Don't strop any of these until after first use.
2.) Don't put any paste on the strop unless it does not have any abrasive. Even then you won't need it.
3.) Be very careful with those tips.

The strop is a professional one by "scalpmaster" it's clean and brand new.

Originally Posted by Firerescue142

My brother-in-law does metal detecting. He found a razor that about 125 years old. Not sure if I should leave it as is as a collector or try to have it refinished.

Throw some pics of it up on here, and you'll get plenty of advice about what can and cannot be done to restore the razor. At least that way you'll know whether restoration is a possibility or if he should keep it as a collector's item.

Good luck with your shaves! Relax, keep it simple, and enjoy the ride.

My sister will be sending it out in the next few days. It's coming to me in Vegas from New Jersey. Might take a bit. LOL. As soon as it gets here I will post some pics.

If your strop is made so that you can take it apart, I'd recommend doing that. Strop by first laying the webbing or cloth strop on a flat, clean surface--a countertop works--and strop your razor. Stropping this way makes you go slow, lets you master the technique, especially the flip, and makes it much less likely that you'll nick the strop. Then do the same with the leather strop. I'd recommend stropping this way until you really get the muscle memory down. For me, that was a couple of weeks, but YMMV. Welcome aboard, good luck and enjoy those shaves!

Thank you Durhampiper. I got three from the wife and one from the sister. Going to try and sweet talk them into a Dovo or a Master Livi. Probably won't work LMAO.

Medical School, Vegas, and now straight razor shaving furnished by loved ones! I'd say your living the dream. What ever path, albeit you chose or chose you, stay on it. Go forth with a swagger that exudes confidence because you sir are in for a treat!

Oh and cosmetic surgery is one of those professions that come as close to printing your own money legally as they come. The best industries to be employed in are those that people are more than willing to part with their money.

I am trying to finish out my RN. My end game is to become a flight nurse.

Hi Firerescue,

And welcome to the forum!!

Lots of good info above, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!! Here's some vids that may help.

Glen, gssixgun on the shave test for a razor, but he gives some great tips on prep, razor expectations, technique, etc.

Lynn, on building lather. Also Lynn on strops and strop technique.

Hope these help, and great shaves!!

Regards,

Howard

What is "The Shave Test" for a Straight Razor - YouTube