Hi guys. I'm back after several years hiatus. I have a Boker King razor that I got for about $100 ( straight razor for all requirements - BOKER Solingen, Germany ) when I first started a while back but I eventually gave up because I couldn't maintain the edge sharp enough for a comfortable shave. I practiced and practiced with my spyderco ultra fine ( Amazon.com: Spyderco Ultra Fine Benchstone with Pouch, 3 X 8 -Inch: Sports & Outdoors ) but the shave always hurt and the razor pulled (watched many youtube videos about how to hone a straight razor). It could be that my beard is very course and thick with lots of red which I hear contains more iron and could be contributing to the painful shave.


So I've thought about it long enough and I'm ready to give it a second chance because I find it hard to believe that I'm just not cut out for this sort of thing. I like honing and have the patience for it. I may not have a really great strop, but it is real leather. Hopefully you guys can shed some light on what exactly it is that I need to do. Do I need a new razor? New stones? New strop? All three? My budget is $250. Is that enough for what I'm want? There is some wiggle room if necessary.


If there is any other information, let me know. I'm very thankful for this forum with all the years of experience here.


Regards, Abel