Thread: Forever a beginner!

In the past couple years I have started a bunch of new hobbies: Learning to play the harmonica, Smoking a pipe, and the one i'm the most exciting for me is a shaving with a straight razor. I have naturally coarse hair and everything I've tried to shave with gets dull so fast that there is no difference between a off brand disposable or a Gillette that coast upwards of 12 dollars a pop. My love for straight edge razors started young when I would watch westerns with the inevitable barber scene with the good guy getting a shave and the badguy ambushes him only to get pumped full of lead. This always harbored an interested for me and last year I went to a barber and got a straight edge shave for the first time where I fell in love with it instantly. I really never did have a shave as good as that one and recently bought one hoping to forever never buy a store brand razor.

At this point is where it seems everything goes wrong. Back in October I visited an antiques store to buy a Strop and a Straight edge razor for my birthday and having watched YouTube videos, I try to get the dull edge in shaving order, but no go. I even paid out to get the blade professionally sharpened but even that didn't make it sharp enough to shave with. (Note: Some of the video tutorials I have watched said that razors are shave ready when they can take hair from your arm dry) So I looked online and found a new shaver from Kriegar for 14 bucks and it came being just as dull at the used one I bought. I tried to sharpen it with a strop as well and again, to no avail. Here are the stats for the razor:


KRIEGAR PEARL FANTASY STRAIGHT EDGE SHAVING RAZOR .

One of the most popular, nostalgic tools of all time. The straight razor has been around for centuries and continues to be a worldwide favorite. This stylish folding razor offers a solid stainless steel 3" blade with a mirror finish. The pearl handle is contoured to fit perfectly into your palm. Includes custom embroidered velvet bag.

• 3" Laser Etched Stainless Steel Blade
• 9 5/8" Overall Length

So...am I doing something wrong, or did I shoot my self in the foot not buying a 200 dollar quality razor that has 'ready to shave' in the discription?

Kriegar razors are known to be terrible shavers. They are razor shaped but that is all. You might want to look into a good vintage blade or if you have the money a new one.

Razors to Avoid
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...azors_to_avoid



There are deals to be had out there and sometimes, as far as the vintage blade, it might have been due to technique or something else. This is not an easy hobby to venture into. Take your time.

Kriegar razors are good to cut butter and nothing harder. They are clunky, and do not hold a good edge. You would be better off buying one in the classified.

If you click this 6/8 you should be able to find something you like...just be sure to subtract 19% and convert to local currency for accurate prices...you can also email them for a quote and to order. They also have a fantastic selection of vintage NOS blades.

Ouch. I guess i got burned by buying first and asking questions later. Sadly, because my financial situation is tight it might be a while before I can get another one.

Also, if you just found this place I'd immediately question where you got it professionally honed.
I'm not familiar with the razors you have but I'd suggest contacting some of the vendors listed on the site who specialize in razor honing. They may be able to bring one of your blades back to life for a minimal cost.
Check the vendors here...they are pre-vetted.
If you are open to a suggestion on which one/ones, please PM me.

Don't give up!

Buy a $28 sight unseen flawed razor from Larry at Whipped Dog...it may not be pretty but it will be sharp and will be good to learn with. Watch videos on stropping so that you can handle it right when it arrives. Cut your teeth on that and upgrade when you have the funds.

Alternatively, hang around on eBay and ask for advice here when something that catches your eye comes up. The helpful guys on this forum steered me away from two razors until I landed my Case Adoration razor for$27. I then sent it away for honing and educated myself in the meantime. Just be patient,it sucks losing an auction but there are many razors available for sale that won't set you buck $100

A local place called Bitterroot cutlery that sells show katanas and kitchenware, self defense knives, and paintball stuff. Give him some credit, it's after I bought the first one from the antique store that I found out it was made in china. Twice burned is when I started to ask questions.

If you think either of these china made blades can hold an edge then i'll take you up on that and send you a pm. (BTW: The first razor I bought is branded as 'Zuny' if that helps.

Originally Posted by Jmchugh

Don't give up!

Buy a $28 sight unseen flawed razor from Larry at Whipped Dog...it may not be pretty but it will be sharp and will be good to learn with. Watch videos on stropping so that you can handle it right when it arrives. Cut your teeth on that and upgrade when you have the funds.

Alternatively, hang around on eBay and ask for advice here when something that catches your eye comes up. The helpful guys on this forum steered me away from two razors until I landed my Case Adoration razor for$27. I then sent it away for honing and educated myself in the meantime. Just be patient,it sucks losing an auction but there are many razors available for sale that won't set you buck $100

Will do! I didn't give up when i took up pipe smoking and my first pipe was a P.O.S. My subsequent pipes and tobacco choices have been top shelf.

Great attitude, I think the learning process is half the fun...it's cool to see your technique develop and your process/products change.

This hobby has turned a mindless daily task into a quiet part of the day I look forward to. I'm confident you will feel the same