Basic Str8 Shaving Rig

I'm looking to setup a very basic str8 shaving rig. I'm also willing to learn how to hone my razors myself.

Question: Can I get away with a str8, a 4k/8k hone, and a plain leather strop? Or... ... Do I need to use a leather/linen strop and a pasted strop as well?

If I only have a hone and a plain leather strop, does this only mean that I need to hone more often (instead of doing touch ups on a pasted strop)? Which is the better way to go?

- Ken -

Yes, I think you can get away with that setup - it's exactly what I started with (minus the Norton).

At some point in the not too distant future you might want to get a second el cheapo razor to practice honing on.

I've never owned a strop with a linen side, so can't comment there except to say I've never noticed a glaring defecit in my shaves (but I have a large-ish razor rotation, so...)

James.

Very adequate set up, assuming you know what you're doing. Expect a big learning curve regardless of your equipment purchases. At this point, simple is better. More stuff is just more confusion.

Linen sems to be a take it or leave it item, that said most guys choose it when buying but from reading posts here not everyone uses it. I don't use it often myself, usually choosing to strop on a rougher leather first, smoother after before each shave.

The stone, strop, razor is all that is really needed to start. Plenty of time to refine things later once the basics have been learned.

Tony

OK... that's great! Thanks very much for the input. That's what I think I'll do then... one or two razors (probably the Wapienica's), a hone, and a basic strop.

Now that that's settled... I've got some shopping to do!!!! Woohoo!!!!!!

- Ken -

The basic strop may still include linen :D

I am just a big proponent of linen, as you have guessed

I started with only a shave-ready, a barber hone (Lithide), and a distressed DKNY belt (hate the brand to begin with, so didn't care if I ruined it). Your set-up is more than adequate for great shaves (but you will need to develop skills, of course)

Cheers
Ivo

I've just ordered 3 Wapienica razors and will save up to get my Norton 4k/8k hone. As for the strop, I think I'll get a Tony Miller with linen... I just like the look of them. :)

- Ken -