Beginner in some terms

Well,

I would like to start off by saying im SO SO glad i found your site. Seems like there are some great people and a vast knowledge base. I have shaved with a straight razor on and off for like 6 years. My main achilles heel has always been rust, honing, strop. After much searching and YouTube of all places. I belive im going to purchase

DOVO "Bergischer Lowe" Straight Razor, 5/8
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190248.htm

Im gonna have it Honed by Lynn and im very excited about it, since i havent been able to do this process myself. Never knew you couldnt shave straight out of the box until i found this site. Because im currently doing a travel job, i dont have any of my older razors to mess around with. My BIG question is, im in New York and they have alot of those Art of Shaving shops up here. As far as proper stropping, is it possible to just do it on your own, like watching video's, or should i do the overpriced thing of buying from the shop so i can get a one on one with their barbers? Im thining about buying an Illinois #827 Strop. Is this a good purchase, or are there others that you would suggest.

Also the rust issue. I had been putting TuffGlide on my blades and they still seemed to rust a bit. Ive read other posts stating to put mineral oil. I was basically coating any metal with TuffGlide. I usually shave every other day if not every 3rd day. i would still have some issues with rusting on my Dovo's. I was storing the blades in the plastic case that came with them, and think that might have been the culprit.

I have so much to talk about, and i think im rambling a bit. So thanks to you all for a great site, and any info on my issues would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Isaac

Hey Isaac:

Welcome aboard!!

If I may speak to the strop question.

You need to learn to strop on your own as it is probably even more important than shaving itself (strop poorly and ruin an edge = not a good shave regardless of how good your shaving technique is)

I don't know the videos you've watched on YouTube but we have plenty of people here who can help you for much cheaper than an AoS barber ;)

I think the Illionois strops are good but you might want to check out Tony Miller's strops at www.thewellshavedgentleman.com He has a great variety in differing price ranges and all are of the highest quality. You might PM him or call him and talk with him first so he can recommend something that will be right for you. (Just give him a few days - he just went to the beach :D )

Also, give consideration to Lynn's DVD. It has a wealth of information on strops and hones and how to use each of them. Plus, it contains a whole bunch of other great information.

I can't speak to the rust issue, sorry.

Anyway, dive in and have much fun!!

The Bergisher Lowe is nice razor. I think you'll like it.

As to the rust issue, I suspect that you aren't getting the blade clean enough before you put it away. Also, it should be stored in a well ventilated area and make sure your styptic pencil is not stored near your razor. Be sure to fully rinse the blade when you're done, then take a cotton ball and wet it with rubbing alcohol and carefully wipe down the blade (to displace any water or moisture), dry it, andn then you can coat the blade with oil. Make sure you don't store the blade in an air tight container or in an area of the bathroom where it can get steamed up from when you're taking a shower. Good luck.

If you are thinking Bergisher Lowe you want to first work out your rust issue. They tend to have rust issues under the cute little rubber grip, and since it is hidden, just think how ugly it will be when you discover it.
keep your razor in an cool dry place with fair air circulation. I have razors sitting in their coffins without oil that after 6 months show no sign of rust.
make sure you dry them well after each use and you should not have problems... oil is best for long term storage.

most mineral oil is food grade so it is rather kind to your face if you do not get it all off before use, IIRC.

Don't go the AOS route! Save your money. I agree that you should go to Tony at the wellshavedgentleman. If you buy a #1 strop, you can pick up a very nice practice strop for only $5 (I think that's the deal). That way you learn on a cheaper strop and won't nick your better one. Once you're proficient, you can move to the #1 strop and use the other for travel, etc.

I also live in NY and have never had a problem with rust. I don't even oil them. I use the alcohol as described already and store them in a wooden drawer in the living room. No problems. Good luck and have fun! :D

Jordan