Thread: 1st SR, derusting, honeing, stropping and shave by newbie

I got interested in wet shaving and shaving with a SR recently and started reading. I stopped shaving about 3 weeks ago, deciding that my next shave will be a real one. I bought a vintage Bismarck unseen but will only get it next week. In between I got an incomplete Rolls razor, to get the hone and went to town yesterday to look for a piece of leather to start with a stropmaking project.

After I got a piece of leather I was lucky to find this little razor at a second hand shop. It looked so small to me, I thought it is a woman's razor. But measuring it later , it does appear to be a 5/8. I thought they were bigger.


Johan Engstrom. Must be made some time between 1870s and 1915 apparently.

Razor with Rolls hone

It was a bit rusty in places and the scales are quite warped but for R100 (about 8.5 US$) I did not hesitate. It cleaned up nicely, but was very dull. I took the Rolls razor's hone, spat on it, and started honing lightly. It was soon better. I found it easier after I taped up the spine as I could then better listen to the sound of the edge on the hone. I stropped it a bit on the piece of leather. It shaved very well on my arm or leg, so I decided to attempt my 1st SR shave.

Lathered up with the Arko soap and brush I received through the post on Friday and cautiously started on my cheeks. It felt a bit dull especially on the 3 week old beard, a lot more resistance than shaving on the body. After more stropping and hot water on the face it felt quite ok so I started shaving. Not as sharp as a DE razor but ok. I found the shaving in the mirror thing difficult, (used to shave with a throw away in the shower) and I had trouble with the weak hand getting confused in the mirror. I ended up shaving most of it with my dominant hand. In the end I had no cuts, clean shaven face, not completely smooth everywhere as I did not attempt against the grain shaving, but quite smooth and a bit tender hear and there, so I stopped. I am thrilled with my attempt. I am sure there is a lot to be improved on, both in preparing the razor and in the shaving but it all was not as difficult as expected.

Must say it was very satisfying.

That's brilliant Hagar, well done. Seems we are in very similar positions with regards to straight razor shaving and razors.

That is a good find especially at the price. Swedish razors have a deserved reputation for excellent steel that takes a fine edge. Personally I like 5/8-6/8 sized razors. You are off to a good start all things considered and "satisfying" is a good description of using a straight razor to shave with, at least it is for me.

More practice honing, especially if you can get a couple good hones, should give you even better results with that edge. Combine that with with improve shaving technique over time and you will up the satisfaction quotient substantially. Wish you continued success and enjoyment.

Bob

Sounds like you off to a good start jumping in head first. Unseen as in shave ready ? Got to have a benchmark and know your starting with a shave ready razor :<0)

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Sounds like you off to a good start jumping in head first. Unseen as in shave ready ? Got to have a benchmark and know your starting with a shave ready razor :<0)

Unfortunately the one I am waiting for is not shave ready either. I am sure the shave I had today was also not with a shave ready razor. Wish I had that benchmark to compare against. I am in South Africa. I do not know of any "honemeisters", though there will be people who know how to hone a razor around, but they will most likely not be hanging on forums like these. Still got to meet them though. So for now I am on my own.

Awesome Hager. Rough start, but soon all will be smooth sailing. Congrats on your 1st STR8 shave.

Well now your hooked.
WELCOME to the addiction!

Originally Posted by Hagar

Unfortunately the one I am waiting for is not shave ready either. I am sure the shave I had today was also not with a shave ready razor. Wish I had that benchmark to compare against. I am in South Africa. I do not know of any "honemeisters", though there will be people who know how to hone a razor around, but they will most likely not be hanging on forums like these. Still got to meet them though. So for now I am on my own.

Congrats on the success so far. Best bet is contacting other members to see if you can meet up or even send a razor to them for honing. I think it's Michael sells the Zulu grey stone is maybe someone else to contact for honing help.