Thread: I am using DE, and want to go with the str8

Hello
I have been using DE for quite a long time
I have brushes, soaps and so on
I have read the book "Sharp Practice" by Anders Larsen
(A great book, must have for all of you guys here)
and want to go out and try a str8
Where to start? what should I get?
I want to get the best from the start, because I am from Israel, and usually when I order it take time and $ for the shipment order and so on
So, I prefer have it all in one order (strop, stone for honing and so on)
Can you guys please give me all the info I need to start over?!
Tank you very much!

Hello Ead,

Welcome to SRP. As you have all your brushes and soaps etc you will still have to visit at least a couple of different vendors for the razor, strops & hones.

For your hanging & or pasted strops and razor if you wish you cannot go past Tony Miller at http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.com/splashPage.hg

For your sharpening stones try Howard at http://www.theperfectedge.com/

Or Jim at http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/index.html

All three are members here, and you couldn't wish for better personalised service, and they have a lot more things to sell than what I mentioned.

John

Isn't there a place when I can order all the stuff from?
Also
What is better? Dovo Silver Stell, or buying Thiers-Issard Sheffield Silver Steel?

Here are some links
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/873572.htm
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...40/3086192.htm
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/719626.htm
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/564082.htm
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/564072.htm

What is the best you think I should get??

Welcome!

Tony is close to being able to get you everything. His kit has all you need but the hones, and he does sell hones separately too.

Cheers
Ivo

I would definately recommend Tony's kit. If you get the 4 sided paddle strop pasted with 3, 1, and .5 diamond and .5 chromium you will be able to keep your razor sharp for many months (some people say even up to a year). Eventually the razor need to be taken back to the stone and the Norton 4K/8K seems to be the most popular for this. You could get this stone many places including classicshaving. My main point is that you don't need to buy the stone now because Tony's kit has everything you need to keep your razor sharp for a long time (unless you damage it), so I would recommend purchasing the kit then if you decide that you like shaving with a straight you can order the Norton in one of your future orders from classicshaving (along with some more razors to save on shipping of course ). The last thing that I highly recommend is Lynn's DVD. You should be able to get it from Lynn or from classicshaving.

One more thing. Tony's stones are great for what they are; however, IMO it would be redundant to get his stone and his pasted paddle strop at this point in the game since they both accomplish the same thing (polishing the edge). The stones are finishing stones and are not made to set an edge like a Norton. The paddle strop is easier to use and cheaper so I would get that first if I were you.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

One more thing. Tony's stones are great for what they are; however, IMO it would be redundant to get his stone and his pasted paddle strop at this point in the game since they both accomplish the same thing (polishing the edge). The stones are finishing stones and are not made to set an edge like a Norton. The paddle strop is easier to use and cheaper so I would get that first if I were you.

Just a note: a razor from Tony will come shave-ready. No edge setting on 4K, or even 8K work would be necessary for a long time as the razor can be simply touched up on a polishing hone such as Thuringen to maintain the sharpness...

Now, it's another story if a beginner does something to the edge - then a Norton combo might be indispensable... And in general I agree that newbies would do well to start with a Norton combo, then move to other hones. Nevertheless, even a $15 lithide might do for a long time

Cheers
Ivo

All the time I hear great things about Tony's, but the problem he run out of stock of everyting!
He allmost have nothing in his site, no blades, no stones, nothing

What can I do?!

he's just having a site revamp. Call him or wait a couple of days

Oh ok
and what is the best of the best 5/8 carboon blade to start with?! ( I mean a real treat, the best I can get)
and also
What is the best strop I can get?
Isn't this is the best
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...944/196032.htm
and for honing, how is the Norton 4000/8000? and will these 3 things will do it for me or is there some thing more I need to start and keep on going for years to come?