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Hello
I recently purchased a Fromm straight razor for 70 dollars.
I tried shaving with it was not very easy... I believe the blade was not sharp enough although it could have been my technique.
So now I am looking for an inexpensive straight razor that is very sharp. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Why would you want to get another razor when all you might really need is to have that one honed? What equipment do you have to maintain the razor once it is sharp. If you look in the classified section there is a listing for individuals who do honing. Please take a look at that list and consider one of them to use. They all do great work.
Ray
tell us more about your technique- did you work up a good (warmish) lather? did you spend (at least) 60 seconds rubbing it in to your face? how many stropping strokes did you take before starting to shave?
this isn't a mach 3 hatchet that you can use while driving, and texting. straight razor shaving requires several deliberate (some would say ritualistic) steps in order to get things done right
edit:
was the razor new, or used/restored? if it was new, and was advertised as "shave ready" you should get it honed. but stuff off the classifieds here, you can (probably) use with just a good stropping (ask the seller)
The easiest way to test your razor if you are new to straight razor is grab your wifes hairbrush and grab a hair, hold it out and see if it will cut it HHT. If this does not work do a pass over your arm and see if its cut the hair there. I would recommend you have someone hone your razor if its not been professional done. If you paid 70 dollars hopefull its a good razor and that is all that is needed.
Crom
I have one question that I should of posted. Is it an old fromm or a new one you can tell by looking at the tang, or post a picture. There is fromm from new jersey imported from germany, and vintage germany razors. I was told that the older ones shave better. I have a new one from new jersey imported from germany, its shave well but does have a spike point that like the taste of blood if your are not careful it take a love bite.
Crom
Given the price you paid, I'm guessing that you bought a new one. They do not come sharp, so you will need to have it honed. Do you have a strop? That is also a critical part of straight shaving. Have you checked out the beginner's section of the Wiki yet? If not, that would be your best start.
Good luck!
I think getting this one Honed is a good idea, better than buying a new one altogether.
The blade is a new blade, and is from Solingen.
I have a strop as well and as far as technique so far, i use a steamed rag for 5 minutes to soften my face and then put on the shaving lotion.
The first time i did manage to shave.. and it got closer than any razor ever did but I almost had to pay attention to each hair.
Maybe that is a good idea.
One swooping motion did not do any good at all.
I also think this may be one imported from Germany.
It has a plastic handle and a black tang.
from what i hear they're not all that great even when honed.
but it should be able to shave you.
Picture will help. if they are new ones then gugi is right. They are not the great razor to start with(old ones are much better).New ones definitely needs to be honed . Then you can shave with it. gl