Thread: Beginner in need of guidance

I'm no good at introductions so I'll just jump right into it. I've wanted to get into using a straight razor for a while now. I've never used a straight razor so I'm looking for something not too expensive and preferably a complete setup to get started. I am a bit of a knife collector, though I'm not a professional knife sharpener/honer by any means. However, I can get a knife sharp enough to melt through the hairs on my arm like butter. I look forward to trying my hand at honing a straight.

So anyway, I've been lurking around researching and I came across this;

$100 Off Buffalo Horn Damascus Straight Razor and Luxury Shave Set - StraightRazors.com

and this; Shave Ready - Gold Dollar Straight Razor With Premium Shave Kit - StraightRazors.com

What do you guys think? Good deals or no? I'm not particularly interested in the Damascus show piece. These seem to be the best full setup for the best price I could find so far. I like the idea of a more precise shave, so a squared end would be optimal. I'm trying to keep the cost under 120$ or so. Any tips or help pointing me in the right direction would be much appreciated. Links are more than welcome.

Thanks

-Sunny

Originally Posted by CAL5210

The mudder Focker.

No need for kind of childish language here.
I have no rite to say that but I thought I would

Originally Posted by JOB15

No need for kind of childish language here.
I have no rite to say that but I thought I would

I think it is a play on words for an actual soap product, I doubt the OP meant any disrespect.

I hearby formally withdraw my objections henceforth, ahmen.

Just for clarity.....

Originally Posted by CAL5210

Just for clarity.....

That's Redic....I'm at a loss for words.

Probably more bad technique while learning to strop than the strop not being tight enough. You could try the canvas followed by leather. If it is visible damage you may have to send it out to be honed. I wouldn't use the stone you have.

On one side of the blade the cutting edge(maybe 1-2mm wide) where the light catches is nice and uniform the entire length of the edge. On the other side it thins out towards the middle 1/3rd of the blade. The inconsistency is why I think I may have made a mistake. Is that normal or no? It seems to be performing well regardless.

I think my actual stropping technique is pretty solid. Aside from a nick or two when I first started I haven't had one since. I roll it over the spine when changing direction and apply a decent amount of pressure....not a whole lot, but enough to keep the blade edge against it.

I'd rather not use my 'free hone' ticket I got from SRD until a couple months down the line when I really need it. I'll try the canvas to leather method. How many of each do you guys recommend?

Originally Posted by Sunshine1

and apply a decent amount of pressure

If you get it re honed, try stropping with zero pressure, just the weight of the blade. Better safe than sorry.

Without a photo, sounds like the grind of the blade and you didn't notice before? See how it shaves, should be fine.