Thread: Straight Razor Coaching Needed

Hi,
I used to drive a truck and could not find time to meet with anyone about being mentored in this art. I was wondering if anyone could meet with me and show me things like honing and how to recognize when you've got a blade where you need it, etc. I'm in WI, specifically, Oconomowoc, Watertown, Reeseville, depending on circumstance. Thanks,

I too am a truck driver. Buy an inexpensive razor (Gold Dollar, or such) and practice much. Watch the YouTube videos and practice more. I've been at it nearly now for 18 months and have met with shop owners and top guys all around the country because of truck driving. On my way home from Boston and just met Howard Schechter of The Perfect Edge. I learned all my self-teaching was/is on target. Really, it's not that hard. Use all resources and, did I say practice?

Here's something to read.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ary-diary.html

I live in Waukesha and am happy to drive out and help you. My availability is pretty limited during the week, but the weekends are free. I'll send you a PM with my info

dmint WITH THE SAVE! Strong work Mr. Mint!!!!!!!!

I don't live anywhere near your end of the world...but I will offer my experience getting started in SRs. I had been purchasing good quality vintage SRs over a period of months. I knew I wanted to learn to hone my own SRs. To begin I purchased one shave ready Dovo 6/8 SR. This served as my benchmark for what a sharp razor should look and feel like. I watched every video I could find on Youtube and posted lots of questions on the forums. I learned to shave with a SR first. Then I picked a couple of reasonable quality beaters and used those for practice as I learned the skill of honing. It didn't take long to learn the skill. Not that difficult. Over time I have improved my skills and now I can put an edge on just about any SR edge. Trick is to take your time, check your progress often with a loupe often and the proof of a good edge is in the shaving.

Great plan. Learning to hone is a little more simple if you can get hands on and use known razors with good geometry. I live far from the end of the road and had to do a fair bit of learning on my own. Once I got to a meet it started to all pull together a little more quickly and after two meets I was well on my way. I could get a razor to shave on my own, but the level of my sharpness went up after my first meet and my speed and reliability went up after both of my meets. Hands on is the way to go. I hope you manage to get together with a member or two.

To Whizbang: thanks, I was going to do that initially, but others on here (months ago) suggested I get some help to get started.
To: RezDog: Thanks also, that is very encouraging.
I emailed dinnermint, and expect to meet with him soon, and I'm sure I'll be on my way soon enough.