Thread: Starting out - some stupid questions

Originally Posted by Rajagra

Auction is for:
2 Zeepk old fashioned straight razor : Already discussed. Avoid.
Zeepk Professional Razor Strop : Might be usable?
BASS finest Quality Shaving Brush : Looks synthetic, and not a good one. You need a badger brush.
Marvy opal Mug : may be useful if only for drinking tea.
SOAP : No brand given, must assume it's poor.
RAZOR HONE : Grit and size not specified, may be OK for sharpening penknives.

I think the more of these products you used, the less happy you'd be. Might put you off straight razors for life. Not a bargain in any way.

Welcome, Scott,

I agree with Ray. Zeepk str8s are junk and the only thing I've read about Zeepk strops is that they are junk, too. The hone is probably too coarse for str8s and you don't need a hone yet. That leaves a mug, puck of soap, and a cheap brush. You can pick up Williams or Van der Haagen soap, a coffee mug, and a boar bristle brush at WalMart for $10 - $15 and know it will work, instead of the questionable gear for $50.

Personally, I'd get a small, inexpensive badger brush (I've heard that Crabtree & Evelyn has a nice badger brush for about $35 or less), but a boar bristle will work. Just don't buy a synthetic brush.

Enjoy!