Thread: Rookie looking for some advice.

Hey guys, I'm new to the straight razor scene. I've been interested in upgrading my shave for awhile now, and recently decided to take the plunge into the world of straights. I bought 4 razors off of eBay, for about $25, but I don't think I got screwed (obviously I'll defer to the elders' judgment on this) - Two W.H. Morley & Sons (5/16 and 4/16), One J.A. Henckels & Twin Works (5/16), and One Griffon XX Carbo Magnetic (4/16). These razors are definitely not shave ready, and indeed, they look like they have some oxidation on the blades. It doesn't look like there are many nicks in the edge.

I want to learn how to shave the right way, so I wanted to get one of these razors honed by one of the great honemeisters , to know what sharp edge feels like, and then eventually use the other blades to practice my own skills with. If you guys could help me decide which blade to get honed, I'd really appreciate it.

Here is a link to some pictures of each of the blades:

http://a.gaurav.garg.googlepages.com/home

Thanks for taking the time to help a noobie out, guys.

By the way, are there any enthusiasts in the DC and MD area who can hone a good razor?

Welcome aboard.. The GCM's 4/8, not 4/16. In any case all of them look like they'd clean up very nicely. The nicking isn't too bad. They are all good choices, so it looks like you did your homework. You can send a blade to either Josh, Joe or Lynn for honing service. They are all reasonably priced and have lots of satisfied customers. Since the shipping would be domestic, USPS rates should be reasonable.

$25 for the lot was a good deal. They may not be pretty or pristine, but they are certainly serviceable (from what I see in the photos). If you want to tackle it, there is plenty of information in the restoration forum to improve the looks of the pitting in some of the blades. A little bit of polishing would do wonders too. Good luck!

Nice deal for 25$. They are in good enough condition to use as is, though you will want to desinfect the blades before touching them to your face.

Little wear and only surface rust / stains so with a bit of effort they should clean up nicely.

Cool blades! Lynn or Josh will work wonders on them! Pick each one up and see which one has the best "feel" in your hand....I'd send that one in to be "hone-meistered". I have purchased several str8s since jumping into SRS with both feet, many different types. I am beginning to learn which size I like and which I don't. The ones I don't will appear here in the near future.

Happy shaving!

Greg

Welcome aboard. I live in western VA area. I can hone the razor for you but probably even better I can teach you how to hone too. Your welcome anytime over to my place if you get a little stuck.

Welcome!

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Welcome aboard. I live in western VA area. I can hone the razor for you but probably even better I can teach you how to hone too. Your welcome anytime over to my place if you get a little stuck.

Welcome!

Thats an offer a rookie should not refuse.

PuFF