Thread: How sharp is "Shave-ready" ?

Hi every body,

I am new on str8 razor, and I end up in STR and BBS forums as a result of my search for a better and closer shaving as I was not happy at all with the way the match-3 would leave my face after shaving.

In this search I have bought my self a few str8 razors, including a TI I bought yesterday. I have also bought a DE FB and a Slim, and some blades (a trial pack with: Feather, Derby, Personna, Super +) but they are still in the post.

I have honed the str8 razor by myself (as I had some experience grinding / honing cutting tools for watchmakers lathe , and knifes), the get very sharp and testing how sharp the blades are I have ended up with not hair in my left arm.

I have manage to honed them as to cut the hair of my left arm by just "flying" the razor above my skin without touching it.

So far so good, but!

When I use the str8 for shaving they don't cut so nicely the hair of my chin as it does with the one of my arm.

I even have bought myself a very nice and beautiful "Revisor" (made in germany @ solingen) "shave-ready"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=003

But not this one, neither the TI, nor another one from solingen give me the smooth shave and easy cut I was expecting. Shaving the sides of the face is more or less fine, but when I reach the chin, as the hair is much tough, the hair is not so easily cut by the str8.

The question is:

how sharp is "shave-ready"?

is any objective test I could carry out to find out if the str8 are really sharp enough?, should I perhaps forget about the str8, sell them and go back to the match-3 until the DE arrive?

Did I set my expectation on str8 shaving too high ?

I am really confuse. Hopefully Lenn's DVD and the book "Standardized Textbook of Barbering" will bring some light when they arrive in the Post.

When should I understand I have a str8 sharp and good enough?

After spending well over $ 300 on badger, str8s, soaps, DE and a lots of shipping I am starting to wonder if it was a good idea.

regards,
Ro

While I can't speak for the straight razor part of it, since I'm a newbie myself... the improvement in my skin and increased comfort since I started shaving "classically" have been worth every penny!

Originally Posted by isshou

how sharp is "shave-ready"?

I think the only way you be sure to see the potential of a straight is to send one to one of the acknowledged "honemeisters" on this forum. If you aren't happy with the way your straights perform after that, I'll be surprised, but (assuming your stropping is decent) you'll know what straights are capable of.

Also, your shaving technique might be sub-par. When I started, I experienced a lot of pulling and mediocre shaves, but, as my technique improved, I got better shaves from the same razors.

I suggest you send a razor out for professional honing, then use it for at least a few weeks before you give up.

First, welcome to SRP!

The problem you're having is likely due to the difference between sharpening tools (I've always sharpened all my tools myself) and honing razors. Arm hairs are thinner and typically finer than facial hair and cut quite a bit easier. What did you use to hone your razor with?

As far as your e-bay razor, unless you get it from someone that actually uses razors, it's highly unlikely that it is truly shave ready. One way to tell if the razor is sharp enough is to do the thumb pad test (TPT). You moisten your thumb then lightly set it on the edge of the razor. If there is a sticky feeling, which is the blade cutting through the topmost layer of skin, then it's good to go.

Since the TI is an expensive razor, I would suggest sending it to one of our honemeisters here: JoshEarl, Joe Chandler, Heavydutysg, or Lynn (adjustme69) (I know I left a few of you out- sorry ). I've only had experience with Josh and Joe, but they both do impeccable work. Just shoot them a message and they'll get you hooked up.

If you take a razor honed by one of the above gentlemen and compare it with something you've sharpened like a knife, I guarantee you'll almost be frightened at how sharp the razor is in comparison. This in no way is meant to degrade your tool sharpening abilities, there's just a huge difference between knife/tool sharp and razor sharp.

I'll put it this way- I was using a recently honed razor and went back a little far while doing my burns. I wasn't paying attention and ended up just lightly touching the blade down right on my outer ear. It made a clean, gushing slice and I didn't even feel it.

welcome to SRP... Fellow newbie here.... When I first dove in... Whatever str8 I've purchased went straight to Lynn for honing... Do not pass GO... off it went...

I know it's shave ready when I wipe off the oil, start shaving and get a excellent shave. No stropping done on the first run.

Give it some practice and I'm sure you will do just fine....

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

I wasn't paying attention and ended up just lightly touching the blade down right on my outer ear. It made a clean, gushing slice and I didn't even feel it.

ouch....

After the styptic was applied, all I had was a weird cut mark. People kept giving me these crazy looks. Except for the styptic though, it didn't hurt at all (thanks Joe!)

Originally Posted by isshou

I have manage to honed them as to cut the hair of my left arm by just "flying" the razor above my skin without touching it.

That is how I test my razors , of course the shave is the final test . I think your razor is sharp enough . Chin wiskers are tough , and because of it's shape the chin is difficult to shave , it will take time to master your technique . I've been using straight razors for over 6 months , and I still have to work my way slowly through my chin wiskers . I keep my razor angle very low , and go slow on the first pass . Shaving with a straight razor is not something you will learn overnight , it will take time . But in a month or less , you will begin to understand why we shave with straights .

Originally Posted by dave5225

That is how I test my razors , of course the shave is the final test . I think your razor is sharp enough . Chin wiskers are tough , and because of it's shape the chin is difficult to shave , it will take time to master your technique . I've been using straight razors for over 6 months , and I still have to work my way slowly through my chin wiskers . I keep my razor angle very low , and go slow on the first pass . Shaving with a straight razor is not something you will learn overnight , it will take time . But in a month or less , you will begin to understand why we shave with straights .

I'd agree with this. It is most likely your technique more so than your razor. If it does turn out to be the razor though, there are a couple of honemeisters there in Europe to send it out to rather than pay the cost to get it over here. Look up Bruno in Belgum our LX in Holland either is an experienced shaver who could give you some tips.

Thank you very much indeed for cheering me up, you all are such a great community!

Honestly, knowing about so many personal success stories on traditional shaving, makes me think I can also achieve it.

I think I will PM Lynn letting him know about all the str8 I have bought so far to see which one is it worth sending over to him to have it professionally honed.

I any case the "revisor" one from Solingen, I got it from eBay ID manyware who is a recommended eBay seller according to the "Critical Info for new members: read this before buying/using a str8 razor", and in the description he said "shave ready".

Any way, I'll PM Lynn to see what I do, as I am on the other side of the pond!