Thread: Recently Got a Straight Razor! Tips on Cheap Honing and Sharpening?

Originally Posted by poorcollegekid

Hi all,

I recently purchased this razor from ebay:



I'm just getting started with the whole straight razor shaving thing (I decided to make the switch because my other cartridge razor was cutting up my face), and I'd like to be able to start shaving for as little cost as possible, being a cash-strapped college student. I was wondering if anyone had some tips for me on how to hone and sharpen my razor (without buying a whetstone, etc). I tried honing it with a P3000 sheet of sandpaper from an autobody shop, and sharpening on my jeans (both can be seen in the background of the first photo), but after a couple of hours I was still having trouble setting a bevel and sharpening it. Do you think it can be done the way I want, or am I better off sending it out to have it sharpened and then just keeping it well? Thanks!

Welcome aboard,,,,,,,,
If your cutting your face with a cartridge razor, then maybe straights are not for you at this time. Try another brand of cartridge before you switch to straights. There are cheap cartridge razors out there that do not cut faces.

Honing,,,,,, either you do it yourself or someone does it for you. As for how cheap these two options are, a lot of things factor into the cost.

Where did you get the idea to hone on sandpaper & jeans?

Where did you learn about setting bevels?

Do I think that you can get your razor to shave ready by 3000 paper & jeans alone,,,, No,,,,,,,,

I think that your decision to enter into straight razor shaving is a last minute thought.

Take a few hours & read through our library section on beginners, razor honing & maintenance. Even if you decide not to use straights, there is a ton of good information in the library that will help make your shaving experiences much better, regardless of what type of equipment you choose.