First "real" straight razor shave

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08-26-2014, 02:31 AM
bladeon

2 Attachment(s)

First "real" straight razor shave

Thanks to my beautiful wife who bought me a "sight-unseen" razor from Larry at the WhippedDog, I am now the proud owner of a new (to me) 5/8 strip of Sheffield steel and ready to try it in the morning. I have heard many of you say on here that a shavette is not the same, so I'll comment tomorrow on just what kind of a transition I experienced going from the Parker SR1 to a real razor. I would love to know the history of this razor, as it has plenty of character, but an obviously well-honed edge. I will not strop it until after my first shave, so I can get a feel for what Larry did first. I got the poor-man strop kit, which is very basic - only leather and no canvas or linen - so I'll just stick with the smooth side of the leather for now and hit with about 40 strokes after my shave tomorrow. I am putting a few pics here in case any of you want to try to identify the lineage of this beauty. The only markings are, on the blade: "Extra Hollow Ground", and on the shank "Warranted" and below that "Made in Sheffield". Scales appear to be horn. Cheers!
Attachment 177329 Attachment 177330
08-26-2014, 02:45 AM
Leatherstockiings

Good luck in the morning.
08-26-2014, 03:05 AM
Johnus

You'll do just fine, go slow and make the 1st time WTG only. Save the fancy moves for later.
08-26-2014, 03:49 AM
Haroldg48

Can't wait to read your shave report. Go slow, and have a relaxing go of it.
08-26-2014, 12:53 PM
EdwinM

Congrats I have made purchases from Larry and he is a great person to do business with.
08-26-2014, 12:55 PM
bladeon

Shave went great! Used Proraso red, my boar brush, good thick mug lather, and just held the razor same as how I am accustomed to holding the SR1. I really liked how the blade was longer and extended from the heel to tip. This made the mustache area easier and it allowed me to cover the large areas with fewer strokes. Only one tiny weeper on the lip and very little irritation anywhere! Did 3 passes and got BBS everywhere except one spot on my neck where the grain runs funny. Only trouble I had was stropping. I tried laying the strop on the counter because I didn't want to allow it to bend. It felt awkward trying to keep the spine flat on the leather. This will take some practice.
08-26-2014, 01:23 PM
edhewitt

Quote:

Originally Posted by bladeon

Shave went great! Used Proraso red, my boar brush, good thick mug lather, and just held the razor same as how I am accustomed to holding the SR1. I really liked how the blade was longer and extended from the heel to tip. This made the mustache area easier and it allowed me to cover the large areas with fewer strokes. Only one tiny weeper on the lip and very little irritation anywhere! Did 3 passes and got BBS everywhere except one spot on my neck where the grain runs funny. Only trouble I had was stropping. I tried laying the strop on the counter because I didn't want to allow it to bend. It felt awkward trying to keep the spine flat on the leather. This will take some practice.

I would hang it if it is a hanging strop, pull it tight and have a practice with something else like a butter knife, if you can try the strop at a few different heights to see what you like, door handles, towel rails etc all provide options for experementation.
08-26-2014, 02:33 PM
engine46

I used door handles until I bought a large Mastro Livi loom strop from SRD. I don't have a collarbone in my left shoulder from a motorcycle accident yrs ago so when I tried to pull it taut, I seemed to slack up at times. I'm right handed. The loom strop worked out very well for me. I like the 25" working area on it!
08-26-2014, 02:46 PM
edhewitt

Quote:

Originally Posted by engine46

I used door handles until I bought a large Mastro Livi loom strop from SRD. I don't have a collarbone in my left shoulder from a motorcycle accident yrs ago so when I tried to pull it taut, I seemed to slack up at times. I'm right handed. The loom strop worked out very well for me. I like the 25" working area on it!

I used all sorts until i worked out the height i liked, now i have a nice strong eye plate (i think it's called) fixed to the bathroom wall - hidden behind the towels when not in use.
08-26-2014, 03:00 PM
engine46

Great idea! I bet that works well & besides that it stays hidden.
08-26-2014, 03:31 PM
bladeon

Thanks for the tips. Lynn suggests having it near waste level so it slants in use, giving a more natural arm motion. I think I'll try that.
08-26-2014, 03:38 PM
engine46

Quote:

Originally Posted by bladeon

Thanks for the tips. Lynn suggests having it near waste level so it slants in use, giving a more natural arm motion. I think I'll try that.

That's why at first I used a door knob & besides that it was the only place I could find w/o modifying in this rental home.
08-26-2014, 08:37 PM
edhewitt

Quote:

Originally Posted by bladeon

Thanks for the tips. Lynn suggests having it near waste level so it slants in use, giving a more natural arm motion. I think I'll try that.

If you use a doorknob, use the side that will be pulling the door shut.
08-26-2014, 09:07 PM
OCDshaver

1 Attachment(s)

Here are a couple other stop hanging options that make your strops a little less permanently fixed. Both were picked up at Home Depot. The velcro one can be wrapped around any solid item and the hook can clamp on to many others as well.

Attachment 177389
08-26-2014, 09:18 PM
Razorfeld

Let me add another. I don't have room for a bench strop in the bathroom. Since I have a 'heavy hand' it took a lot of discipline to use a light (feather) touch on a bench strop. I took my hanging strops, cut a piece of 1/4' pressed wood 3" x 3" shorter than the length and sandwiched it between the leather and the linen and secured it top and bottom with Velcro straps. and attached them to a towel bar. Works fine.

BTW, I hope you aren't using the rough side of your Larry strop. Won't do the edge any good.
08-26-2014, 09:21 PM
bladeon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Let me add another. I don't have room for a bench strop in the bathroom. Since I have a 'heavy hand' it took a lot of discipline to use a light (feather) touch on a bench strop. I took my hanging strops, cut a piece of 1/4' pressed wood 3" x 3" shorter than the length and sandwiched it between the leather and the linen and secured it top and bottom with Velcro straps. and attached them to a towel bar. Works fine.

BTW, I hope you aren't using the rough side of your Larry strop. Won't do the edge any good.

No, actually I was curious so I watched a lot of videos and read a few articles to learn when the rough side might be useful. Seems that side comes into play when restoring a lost edge with lapping compound. Today I ordered a canvas strop so I could have both kinds.
08-26-2014, 09:25 PM
criswilson10

Before putting in a fixed anchor, I used a suction cupped handle that was designed to aid people getting in and out of a bathtub. I think it was $10 (USD) at the home improvement store. It worked great for getting the height comfortable. It's also nice for moving sheets of plywood and drywall since the load limit on it is like 250 pounds.
08-26-2014, 10:03 PM
engine46

Quote:

Originally Posted by edhewitt

If you use a doorknob, use the side that will be pulling the door shut.

Right................or you could be in for a big surprise!
08-26-2014, 10:40 PM
edhewitt

Quote:

Originally Posted by engine46

Right................or you could be in for a big surprise!

I think it is suggested as a bad idea in the library, but if you know that no-one else is going to use the door i reckon its fine. And in fact in my room at work i disregard even my own advice, and hang my strop on the opening side of the bathroom door, as it is the only way to have enough room to strop comfortably unless i stand in the shower
08-26-2014, 11:37 PM
engine46

When I was using a hanging strop, I had it on the opening side of my front door but I knew nobody was going to come in. When I realized that my left arm being a little weaker due to the fact I don't have a collarbone on that side, I couldn't hold it taut all the time, so I bought a large Mastro Livi loom strop & I love it a lot. I don't have to worry about holding a hanging strop taut now! I can do it but the loom is much better for me.
08-27-2014, 12:34 AM
edhewitt

Quote:

Originally Posted by engine46

When I was using a hanging strop, I had it on the opening side of my front door but I knew nobody was going to come in. When I realized that my left arm being a little weaker due to the fact I don't have a collarbone on that side, I couldn't hold it taut all the time, so I bought a large Mastro Livi loom strop & I love it a lot. I don't have to worry about holding a hanging strop taut now! I can do it but the loom is much better for me.

And that covers exactly why we need to find what works for us, you can use a hanger, but a loom suits you better. I have to say that I have only ever used a hanger, but that's not to say that I won't need to find a different solution one day too.
08-27-2014, 01:23 AM
engine46

Quote:

Originally Posted by edhewitt

And that covers exactly why we need to find what works for us, you can use a hanger, but a loom suits you better. I have to say that I have only ever used a hanger, but that's not to say that I won't need to find a different solution one day too.

Yep, sometimes you have to use what is available to get the job done.
08-27-2014, 01:35 AM
sharptonn

Gawd, Bladeon, that is one butt-ugly old razor. Sight-unseen. A razor only a mother could love! :D
Still, I understand that Whipped Dog puts on a good edge. THAT is what matters!
Enjoy, strop and shave. The old maker would be proud it is still being used. Nice work! :tu
08-27-2014, 02:15 AM
bladeon

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Gawd, Bladeon, that is one butt-ugly old razor. Sight-unseen. A razor only a mother could love! :D
Still, I understand that Whipped Dog puts on a good edge. THAT is what matters!
Enjoy, strop and shave. The old maker would be proud it is still being used. Nice work! :tu

Ha!! It's pretty to me. I wanted something with character. Larry is offering a great product and service. Actually, the discoloration on the blade looks like it might come off with a little scrubbing and some light sandpaper. Doesn't appear to be pitted very deeply. The edge is keen. Thanks!
08-27-2014, 02:30 AM
sharptonn

Well, if the edge is keen, strop it in your spare time and enjoy! Leave it be!
08-27-2014, 03:31 AM
engine46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Gawd, Bladeon, that is one butt-ugly old razor. Sight-unseen. A razor only a mother could love! :D
Still, I understand that Whipped Dog puts on a good edge. THAT is what matters!
Enjoy, strop and shave. The old maker would be proud it is still being used. Nice work! :tu

Yeah, what do they call that tip? The round butt tip???? If it's a good shaver then you're happy & that's all that matters!
08-27-2014, 03:35 AM
engine46

It's got character! If it didn't, it wouldn't be such a conversation piece. More power to ya bladeon.
08-27-2014, 04:53 PM
razorguy

Quote:

Originally Posted by engine46

I bought a large Mastro Livi loom strop & I love it a lot. I don't have to worry about holding a hanging strop taut now! I can do it but the loom is much better for me.

This is just one of the many benefits you can get from a Mastro Livi loom strop! Since the day I bought my first Mastro Livi strop (now I have two of them) it is the only strop I use and just dismissed the dozen of hanging strops I was using before that.
As far as I can tell, Mastro Livi loom strop makes a remarkable difference!
08-27-2014, 07:58 PM
engine46

Quote:

Originally Posted by razorguy

This is just one of the many benefits you can get from a Mastro Livi loom strop! Since the day I bought my first Mastro Livi strop (now I have two of them) it is the only strop I use and just dismissed the dozen of hanging strops I was using before that.
As far as I can tell, Mastro Livi loom strop makes a remarkable difference!

I love mine a lot. I wouldn't use anything else. God only knows what I'll do when I need to replace the loom on it. I should but another loom when I have the funds, that way, I'll have it, but as far as it goes now, it'll be a long time before that happens.:rock:
08-27-2014, 08:09 PM
razorguy

Quote:

Originally Posted by engine46

I love mine a lot. I wouldn't use anything else. God only knows what I'll do when I need to replace the loom on it. I should but another loom when I have the funds, that way, I'll have it, but as far as it goes now, it'll be a long time before that happens.:rock:

Well, I believe it will last for a very very long time, provided you will take good care of it. However, Mastro Livi sells the replacement for his loom strop, just in case you need it! :)
08-27-2014, 08:20 PM
engine46

Quote:

Originally Posted by razorguy

Well, I believe it will last for a very very long time, provided you will take good care of it. However, Mastro Livi sells the replacement for his loom strop, just in case you need it! :)

Thank you very much. I figured he sold a replacement loom for it but I don't know how much they are. I have the large loom strop.
08-27-2014, 08:24 PM
razorguy

Quote:

Originally Posted by engine46

Thank you very much. I figured he sold a replacement loom for it but I don't know how much they are. I have the large loom strop.

I see SRD sells them. I see they have the medium and small ones in their catalog, but I guess they can also sell the large one.
08-27-2014, 08:46 PM
engine46

Quote:

Originally Posted by razorguy

I see SRD sells them. I see they have the medium and small ones in their catalog, but I guess they can also sell the large one.

They do sell the large one. That is where I bought mine from. I like it a lot. It has a 25" working area. I'm sure I can shoot Lynn an email & ask him how much the replacement is. I'm sure they would have to order it.

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