Thread: Greenhorn

Now what? i got 2 razors off ebay SHELFRIDGES & Co LONDON, and EDACO $25 for both http://i5.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/01/1d/649e_12.JPG
I know I will need to get them shave ready so what all should I get next?

Depends on if you plan to get them shave ready yourself or if you want to send it in. Otherwise at the very least you'll need a decent strop (there are plenty of options here, just stay away from the dirt cheap Pakistani stuff on ebay. Tony Miller makes excellent strops, you could also go with Dovo/Jemico or on the budget side, an Illinois. I have an Illinois 361 that's quite nice and can be had less than 40 bucks..) After a strop you'll probably want something for touch ups. For me the answer is a barber hone, but it depends on what your style is. Many also like to use superfine abrasive past (chrome oxide for instance) on another strop.
You'll also want a brush and a soap or cream.

If you plan on honing it yourself, the standard entry level kit varies, but based on the fact most information on this site is for the Norton 4k/8k, I'd get one of those, and a plain leather strop. The rest can come later.
You will get more hones, razors, etc. down the road, but this is probaby the easiest entry into the world of hone-your-own, even though it's not the way I originally went. There's just a ton of support for you out there with the Norton.

John P.

John P. has some excellent recommendations.
To add my 2 cents, I would recommend that you put off honing for a while just to eliminate some variables.
Get a strop, a brush, and some soap or creme. After you get your blade in shave-ready shape (preferably by a honemeister), use some Cromium Oxide on another strop or flat paddle to maintain the edge when it starts to pull a bit.
Welcome to SRP and the world of straight shaving. Enjoy the journey!
Keep asking questions.

If you want to start shaving soon get it honed by a honemeister. If you want to be self-sufficient from the start: get a 4/8K Norton. Get a strop from Tony Miller (excellent customer service pre and post sale!) and Lynn's DVD.

That should get you started with a minimal outlay.