Thread: hello

Hello all,

for a long time I've wanted to try straight razor shaving but I did not have a razor. I recently fixed this problem when I came across one in my father's workshop.

I found a Shumate's #135 in a nice box. My father tells me that it came from his grandfather. Now, I know next to nothing about razors is this #135 the right one to start out on? or is there a better razor to start with?

The blade is in very nice condition, and sharp enough that I determined that it does not need to be honed. I don't have a proper razor strop, I only have some carving strops, (My father is a cabinet builder/wood carver) the only problem is that he has treated his strops with various different aggressive sharpening compounds. I don't want to trash the edge but I know its not sharp enough to shave, I can feel that! I am not sure what the compounds are, would it be safe to use on the razor? I also saw an article on the wiki saying that a strip of leather could be used. what sort of leather? I have 1/2 a hide of veg tanned 6oz saddle leather, if that would work please let me know!

Are there any recommended accessories to go with the razor? Honestly I really want to start shaving regularly with it while I am away at college.

Sorry if there was a "Newbie's read this prior to posting and it will answer all of the questions you have" thread that I have not read yet.

Thanks!
~Casey

Welcome to SRP, Casey!

The saddle leather does not sound so bad if it is really smooth.
I'd either give this a try or use newsprint. (Black oxide treated already)
There's a stropping 101 in the Wiki for sure.
You better read this before you start.

Welcome.

A lot of tough questions there. The razor is great. I'd say most of your answers are "probably". I think you could sharpen the blade on your Dad's stuff, using the highest grit he might have and strop on leather afterward.

Most guys recommend a shaving brush and some nice soaps or creams. I would recommend an alum block for little cuts/nicks.

Without pictures it would be hard to know for sure. I would get the basic gear and make judgements based on a comparison, or try it and see how it goes, and ask more questions.

Anyway, welcome to the group.

Thanks for the advice! pictures are something that I can provide! just let me finish fixing up a test leather strip!

~Casey

Ok, Here is the strop I threw together out of 6-7oz veg tanned saddle leather.



for refrence it is sitting on a 1 inch thick desktop

and my razor




tell me what your thoughts are on that strop!
Thanks!
~Casey

Welcome, +1 with most answers given. As someone who did my first shave June 3 there's only a few tid bits I may offer. Being new and uncertian of this razor it would not be a bad idea to have it professionally sharpened before you begin.(There are people who do this in the classifieds) Besides being certian of a quality edge it would afford you time to learn from the wiki and hunt down other items like a proper strop, shave soap,mug and brush, ect.... also you can ask questions that will a rise. Str8 shaving is not something you do in 5 minutes on your out the door, it is an art that takes a little time and is really satisifing when done right. Working with razors themselves can become a satisifing pastime.
Remember to start slow be patient and learn continually.