Thread: Might be a very stupid q

First I'd like to say hello to everyone, I have been lurking in this forum for a while now and it's an amazing source of information,yet this is my first post.

Again this might be a very stupid question as I couldn't find anything on it but.
Do you need to set the bevel on a new razor(from factory)? Or is it safe to assume that the bevel is allready set and only requires a finishing stone to become shave ready?
Thank you

First off, welcome!!
Your question is going to get an answer of "that depends". It depends on the maker of the razor, and even on a particular blade! In general, the usual mass makers like Dovo and Boker will need to be touched up at least before use. Semi custom Makers like Portland razor and Hart generally come shave ready, as do true customs.
What are you looking at and from where? Some places, like straight razor designs, sell their razors as guaranteed shave ready but other vendors do not.

If your razor came from the factory and has not been sharpened I would say dart with a close examination of the blade with your loupe. I always try to use the look before you leap theory. It can be in so many places along the way. It may need the bevel set or it may just need a small amount of refinement. Ernie is spot on with the rest of it. Classic Edge also sells hand honed razors.

Thank you guys.
I have ordered a new dovo Bismark which should arrive with the seal unbroken, so I assumed the bevel is set but to be made shave ready a light touch up is needed.
Maybe my definitions are wrong can a blade have a set bevel but still be dull?

Originally Posted by azourital

Thank you guys.
I have ordered a new dovo Bismark which should arrive with the seal unbroken, so I assumed the bevel is set but to be made shave ready a light touch up is needed.
Maybe my definitions are wrong can a blade have a set bevel but still be dull?

Welcome to SRP.
A set bevel will not necessarilly be 'dull' but the razor may not be shave ready.

You should be able to assess a razor under magnification as to what needs to be done & then the first few strokes on a stone will confirm your assessment.

Hi and welcome. Can I ask if you are currently using straights and have honed razors before. If not I would send it to a pro. Personally I would start at bevel set just to be sure that the bevel is set the entire length of the blade. It shouldn't take much and is worth it to know for sure. I don't know of a pro that wouldn't start at bevel set so makes sense I should too. JMO

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iO2LvAYK12w

This a video I made of a "factory edge." It looks fine until you take a closer look at it and is an example of what would be a very uncomfortable shave before a new bevel set and further honing.

In my experience very few razors come from the factory with a well set bevel. I've always found it better to be safe than sorry and just begin the honing progression from the beginning and set the bevel properly.

There are know stupid questions, those that excel at everything they attempted, ask all the questions they can. Do not ever feel stupid !!