Thread: Beginner in straight razor shaving help!!!

Originally Posted by Ilie

Im a little bit sick but i can feel a sharp smell on the blade.... how do i remove it from the scales?
I consider buying another Dovo razor or filarmonica razor? I can put around 190€ for it with a strop, is it enough ?

There are generally two ways to get scales off a razor:

1) Particularly handy if you want to preserve the scales for use later: remove the pin on which the scales rotate, either by drilling it out, or filing off the peened part that holds the washer in place. Once one of the washers is free, remove the pin via the other side, and the scales will be detached.

2) if the scales are kaput, then it doesn't matter. You can CAREFULLY snap/cut/break them off any way you like.

Always remember that although it is not razor sharp, that blade will still be very, very capable of doing quite a bit of damage.

Whichever path you choose, do it soon. The longer the scales are in close proximity to the blade, the worse the damage will be. And if they do have cell rot, do not keep them - dispose of them immediately as the off-gassing will continue until they are completely degraded.

You can find all kinds of info on repairing, restoring, taking apart, and putting together razors here:

http://http://straightrazorpalace.co...wers-here.html

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

It's more about the condition of the razor and not the brand. You want to purchase the blade that is in better condition. Are you looking at vintage razors? Filarmonica razors are very desirable so one in good condition will generally cost more than the average vintage razor.

i'll stick with dovo then... i found a nice one at 140€

Originally Posted by Cangooner

There are generally two ways to get scales off a razor:

1) Particularly handy if you want to preserve the scales for use later: remove the pin on which the scales rotate, either by drilling it out, or filing off the peened part that holds the washer in place. Once one of the washers is free, remove the pin via the other side, and the scales will be detached.

2) if the scales are kaput, then it doesn't matter. You can CAREFULLY snap/cut/break them off any way you like.

Always remember that although it is not razor sharp, that blade will still be very, very capable of doing quite a bit of damage.

Whichever path you choose, do it soon. The longer the scales are in close proximity to the blade, the worse the damage will be. And if they do have cell rot, do not keep them - dispose of them immediately as the off-gassing will continue until they are completely degraded.

You can find all kinds of info on repairing, restoring, taking apart, and putting together razors here:

http://http://straightrazorpalace.co...wers-here.html

i will do it asap, thank you for the advice! do you think it is worth the work or i should buy new one for around 140€ ?

Originally Posted by Ilie

i will do it asap, thank you for the advice! do you think it is worth the work or i should buy new one for around 140€ ?

My advice would be to remove the scales from this one, and set it aside for the time being. Then buy a new, shave-ready razor, and use it to learn with. Then as time and/or $$ permits, get the other one fixed up or send it to someone for repairs. Most guys will confirm that having two razors is very handy. That way you'll always have one ready to use as the other is sent out for honing.

Which reminds me - you asked about honing. Best thing is not to worry about that for now. Get yours honed by a pro for the first little while, otherwise you won't know what a shave-ready edge feels like, and it will be very difficult to get your honing technique down. Basically, you'll be aiming for a target you can't see. I think everyone who has an interest should learn how to hone his own razors. Just not until he's familiar with what he is trying to do.

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

That's more then enough.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

My advice would be to remove the scales from this one, and set it aside for the time being. Then buy a new, shave-ready razor, and use it to learn with. Then as time and/or $$ permits, get the other one fixed up or send it to someone for repairs. Most guys will confirm that having two razors is very handy. That way you'll always have one ready to use as the other is sent out for honing.

Which reminds me - you asked about honing. Best thing is not to worry about that for now. Get yours honed by a pro for the first little while, otherwise you won't know what a shave-ready edge feels like, and it will be very difficult to get your honing technique down. Basically, you'll be aiming for a target you can't see. I think everyone who has an interest should learn how to hone his own razors. Just not until he's familiar with what he is trying to do.

Can u recommend some dovo razors ? Or other good brands ?what about thiers issard?

Originally Posted by Ilie

Can u recommend some dovo razors ? Or other good brands ?what about thiers issard?

I'm not the best one to ask about them, I'm afraid. Almost all of my razors are 19th-century ones, so I have very little experience with new ones. I do know that Thiers Issard is also a reputable brand though.

Vintage razors made in Thiers should be fine shavers if they are in good condition. Thiers-Issard still makes razors and they are well made. However, I have shaved with a vintage Thiers-Issard twice this week and feel it gives a better shave than my new production TI.

Two brands making very nice new razors are Ralf Aust and Revisor. They are both German companies and I beleive they have their own website.

One final note...Have you read the Straight Razor Place library concerning buying a straight razor? It would highly benefit you to read the sections about buying a razor before making a purchase, giving you an idea of what to look for.

i'll buy a dovo or this filarmonica: Rasoir coupe chou FILARMONICA 14 chasse en noyer Collection Essonne - leboncoin.fr

can you give me some nice dovo models around 190 euros?

Please realize though that you also will need a strop right away. Before long you also will need at least one hone for maintaining the sharpness of your razor.

Speaking of strop, i was pleased with the whipped dog poorman's strop kit, especially given its almost guarantee d you will cut your first...