Thread: It is "almost" time.

The round point will often give one a gentle wake-up poke before getting the wet kiss from the SR edge. A square point with a slightly rounded corner is also good. However, a spike (sharp corner) point may start slicing skin before the novice SR user becomes aware of the pain.

The 5/8 and 6/8 widths are historically the most common found and are good not only for beginners, but also for experienced SR users. However, If RAD sets in, you may end up trying all common widths (4/8 - 8/8), grinds, respected places of SR razor origin (US, Sheffield, Soligen, France, Spain, Eskilstuna, Japan, etc.), and brands and eventually develop a preference..

All common SR widths and grinds can give one a great shave. The critical elements are that the razor be made of fine steel appropriate for razors, is properly heat treated, and is properly shaped. It must not be too worn or abused and especially must be honed to a shave ready edge. It should open and close with enough friction to prevent the scales from being floppy in use and the edge should not contact the scales when closing the razor. Never get water or lather between the scales as hidden moisture will rust and stain the razor overnight unless dried out properly before storage..

Unless the SR is acquired new from a vendor that hones all SRs sold or acquired used from a person who uses and hones SRs, the edge will probably not be shave ready when received. It is only the edge that does the shaving which is the reason for the endless discussion of hones, honing, edge refreshing, strops, and stropping. A truly shave ready edge must cut hair effortlessly and also be gentle on the skin when the SR is used properly. Persons who use straight razors and fine edged tools both have to routinely maintain their edges and usually have established strong preferences for their means of doing so, which is why, new fine edged tools and straight razors usually do not come truly ready for use from their manufacturer.

A basic SR with a great edge will give you a great shave while the best straight razor ever made cannot give you a satisfactory shave until its edge is honed and stropped into a shave ready condition.

HTH