Thank you so much Outback!

Thank you very much Mike.

The THREE straight razors you sent me arrived today.

They're absolutely beautiful, and I owe you big time.

Attachment 312516

Wouldn't even let me pay the postage!

Attachment 312517

Thank you again Mike, I will pay it forward in the future when I as you have done.

Attachment 312518

I also thank you for the sample of Martin de Candre.

Attachment 312519

The razor with the silver shield in the first pic is my original razor but I forgot to take it out before I took the pic.

Steve

Not bad, only took a week.!
U enjoy brother, I did, and the owners before me.
As said, I muted the square point for ya, so it shouldn't be an issue. In time, you'll likely gravitate to a square point, being you have a small beard like myself. Great for tight detail work.

Let us know how they shave for ya. I like knowing how my edges stack up to others.

Nice one :tu

Thats very kind of Outback. With a few shave ready razors
your ahead of the pack in this game.

Good on you Mike! That's the spirit of SRP.

Just goes to show ya what kind of guys are on this forum.

Bravo Mike:bow

Pete <:-}

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by petercp4e

Just goes to show ya what kind of guys are on this forum.

Bravo Mike:bow

Pete <:-}

---

I've had nothing but good advice and guidance from the members of SRP. It's very obvious that the members genuinely care and want new shavers to succeed.

I am astounded by Outbacks generosity and when I record my 20th shave in a few days to let everyone decide if I have improved compared to my 12th shave and hopefully give me some more helpful advice, I will be using one of the razors that Mike sent me for the first time.

A shave in Mikes honour.

Of course I am using the other two, but saving one for the video(scary square point).

Steve

I bet you'll get your smoothest shave yet off one of Mike's edges-I hear hear they can split atoms!:tu

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

I bet you'll get your smoothest shave yet off one of Mike's edges-I hear hear they can split atoms!:tu

---

I just had my 17th shave and thanks to Mikes honing, it was so close and comfortable.

Steve

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by outback

Not bad, only took a week.!
U enjoy brother, I did, and the owners before me.
As said, I muted the square point for ya, so it shouldn't be an issue. In time, you'll likely gravitate to a square point, being you have a small beard like myself. Great for tight detail work.

Let us know how they shave for ya. I like knowing how my edges stack up to others.

---

Hi Mike I just shaved with the black razor. OMG , are you sure they are supposed to be quite that sharp?

Attachment 312522

I would love to know a bit about these razors, age make and any other history.

I love the idea that I am using a razor from maybe my grandad or his dads era - or even older. It is so cool to shave with something interesting.

Even if they're not that old, they don't look new so they are definitely interesting.

Steve

Well that's good to here, that's what I always strive for, consistency, and replication.

Spent several months with Gasman, finding the right edge for him. He likes his to be very keen, so I sent him a razor that I knew was, too keen. (He didn't believe it was possible for a razor to be, too keen )

Had to run the full spectrum, to find out what worked best for his skin, and beard type. But he's a happy shaver now.!

Were a family, here. Not just a forum of shave happy gents. We pitch in to help other/each other out, and have fun doing it. I couldn't tell ya how many razors I've gifted to new members. Some stay, most never return, or stick with it very long. Doesn't bother me either way, I've pissed away more cash, at a bar. :rofl2:

Something I was going to ask.

1. How well did the razor glide thru the stubble, compared to your razor.?

2. Which razor did u use out of the three. The Artist was the only one I didn't do a touch-up on. Just stroped , tested, and stroped again. Hasn't been back to a stone, in several years, and probably only a dozen shaves.

Way to go Mike.
Steve, Mike aint BSing you. He made me an edge that was too keen. It took me about four shaves and lots of stropping to calm that edge down. I didnt think it was possible to have an edge too keen. Now days ive learned about smoothness and comfort in an edge.
My opinion is when your new to all this you want keen. So sharp the wiskers come off as easy as wiping a wash cloth on your face. Then after some time and you learn to feel comfort you want more of it. Its the learning of feel of different edges that you gain with time after learning to shave.

Congrats and enjoy and learn.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by outback

Something I was going to ask.

1. How well did the razor glide thru the stubble, compared to your razor.?

2. Which razor did u use out of the three. The Artist was the only one I didn't do a touch-up on. Just stroped , tested, and stroped again. Hasn't been back to a stone, in several years, and probably only a dozen shaves.

---

Hi Mike,

I used the black one. I don’t know what it’s called.


Attachment 312523

I do think it was better than mine but I was being really careful as it was different razor so I will use the smiley white one with the ornate spine tomorrow so I can shave at the same kind of speed as usual and notice the difference more.

In fact I could even try both that and my old one together to compare better.

I do hope my Dovo isn’t going to turn out to be blunt cos it stills shaves ok.

Steve

The black one is called the "Artist", made by the Levering Razor Co., of Germany. 1930-50_ guessing, not sure exactly. All three are roughly from that era, from what I can tell.

Once you really get the hang of shaving, ( some years down the road ). Ya gotta try a razor from the late 1700s to early 1800s. Its a cast steel that feels totally different on the skin, compared to more modern razors.
Attachment 312525
Then there's the Sheffield steel from the mid 1800s.
Attachment 312526
let's not forget the Japanese steel...oh my!
Attachment 312527

Eye's wide.!?
Mouth watering.!?
Yes..we are enablers.:rofl2:

Mind you..I only had one razor, when I joined this forum, too. :roflmao

[QUOTE=STF;1886779]Hi Mike,

I used the black one. I don’t know what it’s called.


Attachment 312523

I do think it was better than mine but I was being really careful as it was different razor so I will use the smiley white one with the ornate spine tomorrow so I can shave at the same kind of speed as usual and notice the difference more.

In fact I could even try both that and my old one together to compare better

It could be in the finishing hone. Don't know what Phil finished your blade on. I'm assuming 12k. synthetic.

I finish mine on a blue/green Escher, barbers delight.
Then run them thru a strop progression. So my blades have been stroped nearly 300 passes, after a fresh honing.
Makes um like a lazer beam. :tu

But were also trying to see if your edge has become diminished from your stropping, as well.

A proper stropping, only improves a good edge. We want to remove as many variables as possible, pinpoint any problems. It's a long curve, bro., we'll help ya around each bend in the road, maybe. :deal:

My motto...
A razors edge, doesn't end at the hone... It stops at the strop.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by outback

The black one is called the "Artist", made by the Levering Razor Co., of Germany. 1930-50_ guessing, not sure exactly. All three are roughly from that era, from what I can tell.

Once you really get the hang of shaving, ( some years down the road ). Ya gotta try a razor from the late 1700s to early 1800s. Its a cast steel that feels totally different on the skin, compared to more modern razors.
Attachment 312525
Then there's the Sheffield steel from the mid 1800s.
Attachment 312526
let's not forget the Japanese steel...oh my!
Attachment 312527

Eye's wide.!?
Mouth watering.!?
Yes..we are enablers.:rofl2:

Mind you..I only had one razor, when I joined this forum, too. :roflmao

---

I love the 17/1800’s razors in the pic and I need one like the Sheffield.

OMG! Is RAD contagious! What have you done to me!

I had one razor and you sent me 3 but now I need more, I have 2 more coming next week that I bought from Bouchie.

Only paid $15 for the two but I’m hoping that there is a cure for this RAD illness before I fall down the rabbit hole completely.

Steve

Good luck...you've got both feet in, now. :gaah::rofl2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by STF

OMG! Is RAD contagious! What have you done to me....

I had one razor and you sent me 3 but now I need more...I’m hoping that there is a cure for this RAD illness before I fall down the rabbit hole completely.

Steve

---

Bad news, Steve...there is no cure! Next come brushes,soaps, aftershaves, strops, hones, etc., etc., etc.

Enjoy!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Bad news, Steve...there is no cure! Next come brushes,soaps, aftershaves, strops, hones, etc., etc., etc.

Enjoy!!

---

I have to get my credit limit increased in case I see something I can't live without :gth

I think this disorder is going to require a bit discipline.

Ooh, just got a text from Canada Post. My next two razors will arrive tomorrow ;)

I wonder what else I can find?

Steve

I have to get my credit limit increased in case I see something I can't live without :gth

I think this disorder is going to require a bit discipline.





Steve[/QUOTE]


It can be done, think about how hard it is for me to refrain, when I have antique stores all around me, full of razors n such.

Here's just one case, out of many others.

Attachment 312538
Attachment 312539

Drove from Nashville back to Niagara ONtario a week ago and passed near by Akron. I was going to print that piece of map Outback provided showing all his favourite antique stores in Ohio. My wife kept reminding me that we had reached our credit limit while camping so I never got off the interstate.

I’ll have to go back when I’m more flush. I have never seen an antique store up north of the border with that kind of razor assortment.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by outback

It can be done, think about how hard it is for me to refrain, when I have antique stores all around me, full of razors n such.

Here's just one case, out of many others.

Attachment 312538
Attachment 312539

---

Are those yours or a display case in store?

Steve

When I first started straight shaving, Outback Mike was one of the first guys to reach out and offer help. He is still my choice for whenever I have a blade that needs honing or whenever I have a project that is beyond my paygrade. This site is full of super helpful folks, but Mike is an absolute peach.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STF

I've had nothing but good advice and guidance from the members of SRP. It's very obvious that the members genuinely care and want new shavers to succeed.

I am astounded by Outbacks generosity and when I record my 20th shave in a few days to let everyone decide if I have improved compared to my 12th shave and hopefully give me some more helpful advice, I will be using one of the razors that Mike sent me for the first time.

A shave in Mikes honour.

Of course I am using the other two, but saving one for the video(scary square point).

Steve

---

Your twentieth shave will be no better than the 12th, its only after about fifty that you start getting better. I was totally afraid of square points when I started, and was sure that I would lose an ear or slash my nose off. Once you get used to it though, its no different than other blades.
Welcome to the club and buy more blades. (Send me a pm and I will tell you a secret source online where you can get blades at a fair price and sometimes some really great ones. Some of my best scores came from this place.)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STF

Are those yours or a display case in store?

Steve

---

Its just one display case, of many thru out the store.

These are mine, minus three.
Attachment 312541

There's others not pictured, and others waiting to be restored.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by outback

Its just one display case, of many thru out the store.

These are mine, minus three.
Attachment 312541

There's others not pictured, and others waiting to be restored.

---

Totally speechless (or gob smacked as we say where I come from).

I don't know how you can remember what you have let alone shave with them all.

Can't wait till I have that many but I guess I'll have to wait a while and build slowly.

Steve

P. S.
Thanks for reducing your collection by three.

@Outback,

Hi Mike, I shaved with the smiler you sent with the ornate spine.

Damn it was sharp, worried I might take my head off.

Definitely sharper than my Dovo, but I still feel the Dovo shaves well so if I am using my strop properly I should only get it sharper from what I understand. Unless I misunderstood.

Steve

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DZEC

Drove from Nashville back to Niagara ONtario a week ago and passed near by Akron. I was going to print that piece of map Outback provided showing all his favourite antique stores in Ohio. My wife kept reminding me that we had reached our credit limit while camping so I never got off the interstate.

I’ll have to go back when I’m more flush. I have never seen an antique store up north of the border with that kind of razor assortment.

---

Were u on I-76 East, 77N, or 71N, if so, you passed some good stores.

Not necessarily, sharper. But smoother, more comfort to the skin.

If its pulling more to get thru your beard, than my edges, its possible that its dull. But also u must consider what stone it was finished on. I can get a great, comfortable shave off a Coti, but it comes thru my beard with more resistance, than my Esher, or synthetic hones.

Guess I should have sent one honed on a Coti, one on synthetic, one on the Escher. Barber hones, are impressive too, as well as Thurigans. I can finish a blade on either, but they all feel different from eachother.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Bad news, Steve...there is no cure! Next come brushes,soaps, aftershaves, strops, hones, etc., etc., etc.

Enjoy!!

---

Heres what arrived today!

Attachment 312553

Actually I have a doctors appointment next week. I'm gonna tell him I have caught RAD and see if he will give me a prescription for a few razors :hmmm:

Steve

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by outback

Not necessarily, sharper. But smoother, more comfort to the skin.

---

I have watched a lot of stropping videos on youtube and the takeaway is hold the strop out taughtish but only quite gently taught, no muscle aches and don't risk pulling the towel rail of the wall. The strop should bow well as its stropped on.

Strop as with the board spine first turn on the spine.

10 on the cotton and 40 - 60 on the leather listening to make sure its stropping the same on both sides.

If I can shave a bald patch into my arm it is still sharp enough to shave.

Am I about right?

Learning to strop is important, I get it!

Trouble is a person can keep blunting razors if they don't realize they are wrong or can't figure out how to correct.

Steve

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STF

I have watched a lot of stropping videos on youtube and the takeaway is hold the strop out taughtish but only quite gently taught, no muscle aches and don't risk pulling the towel rail of the wall. The strop should bow well as its stropped on.

Strop as with the board spine first turn on the spine.

10 on the cotton and 40 - 60 on the leather listening to make sure its stropping the same on both sides.

If I can shave a bald patch into my arm it is still sharp enough to shave.

Am I about right?

Learning to strop is important, I get it!

Trouble is a person can keep blunting razors if they don't realize they are wrong or can't figure out how to correct.

Steve

---

The last I remember Glen--GSSIZGUN who is a Senior Mod here and is a Pro Honer and Restorer recommended 25 laps on cloth and 50 on leather to maintain an edge.

With that said do remember that improper stropping can ruin an edge--especially on a really hollow ground blade. Just saying.:hmmm:

Just cause it shaves your arm hair, doesn't make it shave ready. Only by shaving with it, can it be said, shave ready.

And even that...is a personal thing. Ones, so called shave ready edge, might feel like total crap, to someone else.

Cutin arm hairs n such, is only to test an edge. Knowing how a hair should react to a razors edge, takes time to learn. That's also why I sent the razors, I know for a fact, they were perfect. I always check my work, under magnification . From bevel setting, to finishing hone, and after stropping, before and after the shave.

That's why I said not to strop them, before you use them.
Them bad boys is ready ta go.!

So....that's how a razor should shave, if you have a problem with my edge, after a few shaves, we'll have to start looking into what's going on with your stroppin. Hopefully all goes just fine. Your definitely being cautious, and that's good. Only the question not asked, is dumb.

If your good with the Dovo, by all means, put it into rotation with the others. Good to have a choice.!

I just close my eye's, spin around in front of my dresser drawers, then reach out for whichever razor gets in my clutches. Not really, but I have stood there awhile trying to figure out which one I'm gonna use. Like um all, some a bit more. Love them real old ones, if there's any love left in them to have.