Thread: A beginner

I just got my great grandfather's straight edge from my grandmother as a gift and I really would love to learn how to use it. I've read this site and what I've learned is that I know nowhere near enough to do anything.

How do I sharpen it? (because it is about as sharp as my pocket knive)
Should I buy a new one and get used to shaving with it before I try to fix my g grandfathers blade?
How would I go about choosing a good blade and not getting jipped?
please help

Welcome to SRP. If you have a way of posting a photo of your grandfather's razor with the blade open members can better assess the condition. I would suggest you buy another razor honed by a pro to start and send your heirloom out for honing and possibly restoration in the meantime.

Here is the SRP Wiki with tutorials on all things you'll will need to know to shave and maintain your straight razors. Check out the beginner's guide here first and you'll be starting off on the right foot.

Welcome to SRP. +1 on everything Jimmy said. Take your time, lots of friendly and helpful advice to be had here. Good luck.

welcome to SRP

Welcome srp . Most stuff has been told before me. i would say just don't mess up your grandfather's blade. leave it alone . buy another one and learn how to shave etc. after that you will have more knowledge and can decide what to do with old blade. send someone to restore isn't bad idea. GL

welcome to srp!

Welcome to SRP. Glad you're here. Having a family heirloom is cool you may want to purchase a different razor for starters ( does't have to be new there is always good ones here in the classifieds) to learn with. Then you may want to find some beaters to practice Honing and restoration and then once comfortable restore your Grandfather's yourself. You can always send it to one of the pro's here and pending on condition they can make it look like new. Whatever else learn proper straight shaving technique and have fun from there.