Thread: I had to try this.

Welcome aboard! You sound like me when I got started, of course there was no SRP to make the trip a little easier!

Thanks!

By the way, how did it go for you? I guess it can't have been too horrible since you are still doing it.

And if it doesn't work out at all, I could always send it to Lynn

if i were you i'd have started with a honed razor, but see how it works for you.
yeah, pick the norton.

You got a good list there. I would also recommend sending the razor out to get honed. While I'm sure you won't have much problem getting it right if you're patient, having a razor properly honed for you for your first few shaves saves you from asking this question:

"Is it that I don't know how to shave well enough with it yet? Or is the blade just not honed properly?"

If the blade comes honed properly, you know your answer without having to ask the question.

Most of all though, be patient and give it time. Some people (like myself) have an AMAZING first shave, while others have mediocre shaves that only get better over time. Stick with it and you'll be sure to be pleased with the results.

How long time does it usually take when a blade is sent out for honing?

I am slightly impatient

This may sound counter intuitive, but since you have already invested quite a bit of money, why not take another 30-50 USD and get a second razor from the classifieds. One which is actually shave ready. That way, you will have a benchmark razor for your own honing efforts.

WRT the Norton, What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki should give you a good overview of what is required, and what is optional. With the canvas pasted, you should do just fine with a Norton 4/8k.

Good luck, and welcome to SRP.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

This may sound counter intuitive, but since you have already invested quite a bit of money, why not take another 30-50 USD and get a second razor from the classifieds. One which is actually shave ready. That way, you will have a benchmark razor for your own honing efforts.

WRT the Norton, What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki should give you a good overview of what is required, and what is optional. With the canvas pasted, you should do just fine with a Norton 4/8k.

Good luck, and welcome to SRP.

Great piece of advice. It is soooo nice to have a professionally sharpened razor around. Gives you an idea of not only how comfortable a straight shave can be, but also gives you an idea of how "sharp" (or not) your honing jobs are.

I really don't know if I can afford that right now, even though I would like to do so.

And I just got a mail that the package is shipped

Originally Posted by flyboy

This is what I have ordered:

DOVO Best Value Ivory Yellow Straight Razor 5/8"" Full Hollow Ground

Standard Pure Badger Shave Brush Off White Handle

Styptic Pencil

Shave Soap

DOVO German Razor Strop Leather Conditioner

Illinois Razor Strop 2"" x 20"" Top Grain Cowhide with Handle

Thiers Issard Low Grease White Paste for Razor Strop (for canvas side?)

Col Conk glycerine shave soap

And I am thinking about ordering a 4000/8000 Norton

Does this sound like a good start?

Sounds just fine.
I started out with a Dovo. I believed the little note that came with the razor, stating that it was ready to go, out of the box. (after being stropped). I hadn't discovered SRP yet, so I had no reason to doubt Dovo's note.
Guess what? The shaves went just fine. I did about 15 shaves before the edge started to shave uncomfortable. I'm not alone in that experience. Hence my advice is to read about stropping, and try the razor first. Try shaving a bit of arm hair. If it does that with ease, try shaving your beard. If you can manage to get parts of your face smooth, it's okay. If not, send it to Lynn.

Originally Posted by flyboy

I am used to both being patient and using a fine touch. It might be a bit optimistic, but I am an optimist and don't see any reason why I cannot do this.

Originally Posted by flyboy

How long time does it usually take when a blade is sent out for honing?

I am slightly impatient

I think we have that in common.

I don't recommend learning how to hone before you have gained some confidence shaving with a straight razor. You need shaving skills to assess your honing results.

Good luck with the Dovo,

Bart.