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

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!

cheapest and most efficient way is to not buy hones , paper or what have you ,, send it to a true razor hone guy , who uses them and does it all the time,, because till you learn t shave with one you will not know if your razor is even shave ready sharp. plenty of videos showing how to start ,, Lynn Abrams has a real good one for first timers and or library has tons of info good luck tc by the way if we know where your from its easier to hook you up

Your best bet is to send it out to Lynn or one of the others on this site that hone razors. If you used sandpaper that would be the best assurance that it will be done right.

Thanks for the reply! I'm from Brewster, New York, by the way. Also, any information on this particular razor would be greatly appreciated!

The very cheapest of all hones would be the king 1K/6K combo, And a progression of diamond pastes to finish.

I have the king 1/6.

The 1K side is very good. The 6K side is o.k as a mid step. Shaving directly off the 6K is a bit more problematic hence you either need pastes or a finer grit hone.

http://www.amazon.com/King-47506-100...king+1000+6000

Use a 1 micron diamond paste after this. On either felt, leather or balsawood.

DMT DP1 Dia-Paste Diamond Compound 1 Micron - Diamond Honing Paste - Amazon.com

Then pickup the whipped dog poor mans strop kit.

This includes a strop and a balsa chrome oxide strop

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

It's not an ideal setup. It is however usable, I used it for over 6 months and got quite proficient with it before I upgraded to Naniwa stones ( I still use the 1K side of the king).



The king stone is actually pretty good for knives as well, It's a far better option than sandpaper at the very least.

Welcome to the SRP. Whippeddog also offers a honing service you might be able to send your razor in to be honed and combine ship it and a poor mans strop kit. He honed my first razor.

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.

Hi and welcome. Sounds like you might be better off with a de for the moment and re evaluate when you have all the information that you need to start with a straight properly.

+1 on Hirlau's post.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

If your cutting your face with a cartridge razor, then maybe straights are not for you at this time. .

Thanks for your comment!

Ya know, I don't know why I said it was cutting my face - it was more just irritating it. I've been shaving with a cartridge razor for a few years and wasn't entirely happy whenever I shaved, due to the irritation and a bit of pulling. I've been through many a replacement cartridge and had been looking into straight razors as an alternative for some time. I agree that it was a bit of a last minute decision to get into it now - that was a keen insight. I was looking on ebay at straight razors, saw that one, and bid because the price was low (I didn't exactly think I'd get it).
That being said, I was a bit hasty in terms of honing and sharpening. I got the idea to hone on sand paper from something I read online in another forum that said it's possible, but not perfect. I realized going into it that I didn't have the proper materials (or knowledge, though I have kept a number of camping knives sharp), which is why, after giving it a bit of a try, I decided to come here for tips on doing it without investing in a stone (though I know that's ultimately the best way).