introduction, first straight shave results, and questions

I have been lurking and a registered user for a short time and thought I would say hello and ast a few questions

I have thre vintage razors and have been learning to hone. I have read so much info on this forum watched the videos and also read alot on B&B, wetshavers group on msn, and a host of other places.

as a background I have been a wetshaver all of my shaving life which constitutes aobut 23 plus or minus years, with the exception of about 2 months where I butchered thigns with a norelco. I have used an atra cartridge for most of that until about 2 years ago when I wnet to a DE. About 6 months ago I got interested in straights and rolls razors.

So on saturday the 6th of September I felt confident that I had a good edge on a vintage razor and proceeded to try it out. I took my time and I think it was every bit as good as with a DE. I ahd a little issue with shaving the chin and I think I need a bit more honing and I need a strop, mroe on that in a second.

I have a norton 4K/8K and a cataragus barber hone, but no stro and the moment.

Here are my questions

1) can the barber hone be use din a pyramid with the 8K? Then the barber hone in a kind of pyramid with a leather only paddle strop?

2) can I use 6 ounce tooling leather to make a paddle strop? I have been watching Tony Miller's site for when artisan strops become available.

3) I have found that the lather is different for me between cartridge razors, DE, the rolls, and now the straight. I sthat the case for others?

I am sure I will have more questions, thanks for the great site and all the info.

You've got to get a leather strap of some sort to put the final polish on your vintage straight razor.

I wish I could answer your question about using tooling leather - you may want to call Tony Miller and ask him about availability.

You can check the classifieds too, there are some straps there for sale right now (as of the time and date of this posting!) Strops & Hones - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Srap, I am sure that everyone here would highly recommend a strop (or strap). It is used before every shave. I do 20 laps on the linen side and 30 on the leather. YMMV.

As far as he lather goes, I found that it is definitely different than when I used it for the twin safety. And it is much more important too! I am still trying find the magic formula for the soap/cream to water ratio. I have that there is no right ration that covers them all. Each soap and cream will vary...

thanks for the replies guys. I have all the stuff to put a strop together but not sure if I want a hanging strop or a paddle strop. No linen though so it woould be a leather strop. Not sure what would be best for a beginner.

I worked right next to a saddle/custom leather shop some years ago and was lucky enought to squirrel away some items. I used a strop to sharpen the leather knives and skiver many times while learning for free at the shop. I helped with menial tasks after or before work or when things got really slow at the business where I worked.

There is so much info here it is hard to digest, like drinking from a firehose.:tu

If you are waiting for a TM strop, you can strop on folded newspaper until you have the chance to get or make a strop.

Tooling leather or Vegetable tanned leather will work for a strop, hanging or paddle. I just finished making my second one out of 9 or 10 ounce leather. Like you it was what I had on hand and couldn't afford one right now. If you have a long piece of leather say about 24" long and 2-3in wide put a D ring on one end with chicago screws, hang it on a hook and strop away.

If your leather is shorter pieces, a foot or so contact cement and a piece of smooth wood, glass, Corian, etc and you have a bench strop. Great for a pasted strop. You might have to condition the leather, depends on what the leather looks like. The ones I have work great and I made them myself although one day one of Tony's Artisan Strops will be hanging in my bathroom :D

Hope this helps and Welcome to SRP!!

Bob

Cactusbob,

The leather I have on had is about 36 inches long and 4 inches wide. It was for making tooled wear panels on saddle blankets. it is very nice grain. I appreciate your input.

I also have some well broken in latigo leather from saddle billets that were replaced. I will take a look at that also. I may have more to play with than I initially thought.

I was not sure if a newbie should try a paddle first to eliminate the learning curve with a hanging strop and rounding the edge or if it woule even matter.

I will get the leather out and get a strop put together until I can get a TM horsehide artisan to truely be proud of.

Anyway thanks to all for the responses.

I started with a hanging strop and picked it up pretty quickly. As long as you go lightly and never lift the spine off of the leather before lifting the edge, the razor will be fine.