Thread: I don't know anything about ANYTHING...many questions need answers please help!

Welcome to SRP, JFD,

You raise a number of interesting questions. Since you were asking for "a URL to somewhere where I can be brought up to speed on everything I should know about straight razors", let me guide you through the resources available on SRP. The forum search function is not always the easiest to use, but a number of users here have tried to compile salient bits of information into a knowledge database (we call it SRP Wiki). You will be able to find most answers to your questions in the beginner section of the Wiki. If you should have further questions, feel free to ask them here or in the chat.

So without further ado, let's see what you've got.

Originally Posted by JFD

How often would I have to hone the thing?

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
How long will a razor stay sharp?

There are too many variables involved to give a definite answer (quality of razor steel, stropping and shaving techniques, etc.). The general consensus seems to be that a shave ready razor will, if treated properly, stay sharp for between 15 and 50 shaves. After that, it will require touching up with a pasted strop or a finishing hone.

Originally Posted by JFD

What exactly is 4000/8000 grit?

What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by JFD

How can I tell if it's "shave ready" or not? Will it say somewhere on the site / in the shop?

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Is the razor I got (or plan to get) really shave ready?

There seems to be a lot of confusion on what shave ready means to dealers, and what a truly shave ready razor means to an experienced shaver. Shave ready according to a vendor (generally concerning new razors) are razors that have been mechanically sharpened (generally on a waterstone type wheel) and then hand honed on a stone of some sort.

Originally Posted by JFD

Should I be wary of manufacturers that may tell me it's shave-ready?

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by JFD

What's 4/8 6/8 3/8 what's all that supposed to mean?

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
What do the numbers 5/8, 6/8, 11/16 mean in reference to razors?

This is the width of the blade in inches which is the main factor in how 'large' a razor feels. It is measured from the edge to generally the spine (some manufacturers measure to the inside of the spine, some to the outside).

Originally Posted by JFD

Can someone post the URL of brands to avoid?

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Which razors are considered bad?

While the quality of a shave is highly subjective, there is a certain consensus amongst the members of SRP that razors listed in the article Brands of Straight Razors to avoid will usually not deliver good shaves.

Originally Posted by JFD

Assuming you have a budget of anywhere between 50 and 350 dollars, is it really worth buying a super-expensive razor?

Only if you think so.

Originally Posted by JFD

I read something on wikipedia about hollow, double hollow, double edge and extra hollow. What does all this mean?

File:GrindForm.GIF - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by JFD

Is there a list of razors that are hollow, or is that something that would be advertised?

Search by property - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by JFD

What's the best razor for shaving every day?

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by JFD

How much "should" it cost to put together a good straight razor kit? I don't care about material properties like colour or finish or whatever, I just want functionality.

You will be able to get along with under USD 50.

Originally Posted by JFD

What's the best place to buy a razor? Online? Store? Does it make a difference if you can see the thing up close?

We usually recommend to stick to our Classifieds section and the vendors listed in the sub forum. SRP is not affiliated with any of these vendors.

Originally Posted by JFD

Do I really need more than one razor if I shave once a day at the same time every day?

No.

Originally Posted by JFD

I don't want to waste anyone's time, so is there a URL to somewhere where I can be brought up to speed on everything I should know about straight razors?

I would take it from here: Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Originally Posted by JFD

I mean all this lingo, it's a little confusing and it makes me feel like I should know way more than I currently do before just buying something that says "Dovo" or "Solingen" on it.

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
What makes a good starter razor?


Dovo Best Quality 6/8


Size = 6/8 A wider blade is easier to keep flat on the strop, which is very important for a beginner. 6/8 is also dead center on the size chart, so you can decide which direction to go on your second razor. Finally, it has some heft for those less than confident first strokes, and is still easy to handle. Grind = Half hollow Again dead center on the chart, so you can decide which direction to go after your first razor. A half hollow grind offers enough heft for beginner shaving, yet also has some flexibility for comfort. Round point A round point is a little safer, anyway, not a lot but every little bit helps at first.

Happy reading.

Regards,
Robin