Thread: beginner first straight razor.

Hi I am new to the straight razor scene my purchase is a Dovo Bismarck, now what I want to know is should I but the hone,strope, ect and do everything myself or send it out to get it prepared first? Please let me know what you think would be best. Thanks

Where did you buy it...was it advertised as "shave ready" from the vendor?

That's my first razor as well. As there are no hone meisters here in Sweden (that I know of) I bought a Norton 4/8k and a naniwa 12k honed it and stropped on crox and now it's probably my best razor. The bismarck is really sweet

No it needs to be sharpened

Okay i just found out how to post pics upit only has some blemishes on the blade

I'm sure there's a mentor near you who will speak up, but I'd send it to Lynn at SRD or one of the other members who advertises honing services. Hard to tell from your pictures viewed on my iPad, but it may need a little restoration work for those spots near the edge.

Those blemishes go into the bevel so sending it iut would be a good idea. If there is pitting or other issues they will be able to fix it for you. Sure for a bit extra they could give it a clean and polish up too. Check out the member services in the classifieds