Thread: Intro and plea for help

chances are that the strop you've got is good. you can ask us specifically if you have concerns about it, but other than that do as everybody suggested and have your razor honed and you'll be on your way.

you have a strop, unless the blade is in bad shape (post pics) then just get it honed and go. yes, the brush and good cream or soap is going to enhance the shave, help your face etc. etc. but strictly speaking you could get by without it. it takes a lot away from the experience though, so unless you're too strapped fro the 20 bucks or so you should do it. get an inexpensive brush, guys have already volunteered to send you soap. i just use a ceramic bowl I had sitting around, works great I think.

as far as honing, don't sweat sending it out, most of us non-hone guys have to anyways, get whomever you have hone it to strop it as well, shave with it, THEN strop it yourself. that way you know right off if you had bad technique because your next shave will not be as good. I know Max does this automatically, but I'm sure any hone guy will strop it for you if you request.

in the week turnaround time do as suggested, watched the demos on stropping and shaving.

and whatever you do, do not look at the workshop/gallery thread EVER

Red

Hey thanks to everyone for the friendly and helpful replies. Here are some pics of both my razors:







As you can see, neither is in the best of shape. I wonder if anyone can tell me if the older one on the bottom is even worth sending out?


thanks again,
- Mashoujiki

the rust on the edge on the dovo looks bad, depending how deep it goes that may be a rust bucket material.

the one on the bottom looks like it's got better chance of getting a decent edge - there's a lot of honewear and looks like a frown too, but if yuo want to try.... I think you'll be better off picking one in the classifieds from somebody who has already honed it and tried it. even if the blade has stains/pits the main thing that matters is the edge.
i thought i saw some cheap razors from utopian,holi4pirating, hi_bud_gl... those should be good shavers irrespective of how they look.

Those look like project razors to me. Do yourself a favor and get a decent razor from the classifieds as gugi suggested, the sellers he referenced are well known and respected.

Bummer. I was really excited about getting the dovo, too...