Thread: Hello Gents

I purchased this razor from "The Art of Shaving". I used it this morning for the first time as it said it was ready for use, but I can tell you it wasn't. As I have found out after reading a few posts here. I did a lot of research on the type of steel to have the blade be made out of, etc., but just assumed the blade would be ready to go. That is my first mistake. At any rate, I also purchased a strop, brush, etc. I did not get a hone, as I didn't realize that I should even have gotten one. Any links to a good one?

Anyway, I shaved my whole face as I received a complimentary shave when I bought my blade. Unfortunately, the lady who did the shave used a replaceable blade and didn't really have any useful information for me on how to strop my blade, other than to keep it flat on the strop and to lead with the back of the blade. I think I have a bad habit of picking up the blade when stropping, rather than just spinning it in my fingers, but it seems to want to slip out that way.

I really want my blade to maintain its edge, and don't want to mess it up, but I would like to learn the proper technique, though from the videos I have watched, it is too hard without actually being there and being walked through the process, and to get myself adjusted from a pro. I live in Cheyenne, WY. I have done several searches for anyone knowing anything about straight razors in my area, but have come up empty handed. Hoping to join a growing community and perhaps get some insight from all of you! Thank you for any direction you can provide!

Welcome to SRP, IJerry.

There are differing opinons on hones but I think the most versatile hone you can get to start out with is a Norton combination waterstone in the 4k/8k grits. (AKA Norton 4k/8k)

I might recommend talking with Howard at www.theperfectedge.com about the Norton and other hone related questions.

Enjoy,

Steve

I bought an "Art of Shaving" razor myself a couple weeks ago...The first two shaves were god awful. My third shave was better and with my fourth, I did not need to go over my cheeks or burns with a disposable. I would look at Lynn's tips. It may be that the razor needs honing, it may be the technique (as it seems like it was for me). But certainly I am no expert.

Thanks for the replies thus far. I am eager to get a shave that doesn't hurt! I will look at the links posted. Thanks again!

Stick with it guys, the good news is that even though they might not be shave ready now, the AoS blades are just rebadged TI's so they should be superb shavers once they're honed up.

If you don't want to try honing these yourself just yet, you could get Lynn or one of the other honemeisters to get it properly ready for you, they don't charge too much and the results are well worth it!

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Stick with it guys, the good news is that even though they might not be shave ready now, the AoS blades are just rebadged TI's so they should be superb shavers once they're honed up.

If you don't want to try honing these yourself just yet, you could get Lynn or one of the other honemeisters to get it properly ready for you, they don't charge too much and the results are well worth it!

That is an idea I am tossing around. After the honing, then I would just have to strop about every third shave correct? Also, this hone should last for about 4 months correct? Thanks!

Originally Posted by ijerry

That is an idea I am tossing around. After the honing, then I would just have to strop about every third shave correct? Also, this hone should last for about 4 months correct? Thanks!

You should strop before every shave to help keep the edge keen.

How long the honing job lasts for will depend on your skill on the strop, your shaving technique and your beard type.

I would think that, initially while learning, you would need to rehone the razor a little more frequently. Then, less frequently as your skills improve

Originally Posted by steve

You should strop before every shave to help keep the edge keen.

How long the honing job lasts for will depend on your skill on the strop, your shaving technique and your beard type.

I would think that, initially while learning, you would need to rehone the razor a little more frequently. Then, less frequently as your skills improve

Sounds good. Thank you!

In my experience, new TI razors need only a short pyramid (see the Norton Pyramid file in the Permanent Archives of the Help section) with minimal, but not too little pressure to get shave ready. With a Norton 4/8 combo stone and some careful attention, you may even be able to get it there yourself, especially if you can get your hands on a few practice blades to get the feel of it first.

X

As mentioned above you need to strop before every shave, something like 20 to 30 passes although I often get bored and only do around 10.

A decent honing job should last 3 or 4 months, or more if you use several razors in rotation. Though in the early days of learning it's very easy to roll or dull your edge from poor stropping/shaving technique. You can extend life between honings by using a paddle strop pasted with an abrasive compound, which can be used every time you feel the razor getting dull. Pasted paddles are a bit easier to use than a hone for the relative newcomer, as it's more a stropping action than a honing action.