Thread: NEWB's Shaving Setup Questions

Hi, Jim D. here. I have been doing quite a bit of reading on the WEB (over the past 50 some days since I became interested in Straight Razor shaving), concerning what tools I will purchase to maintain my Razors and I would appreciate some ideas and opinions concerning any of the items I am listing.

1. Belgian Blue 4000 and Yellow Coticule 8000 vs a Norton 4000/8000 combo stone? Would 2 individual stones instead of the combo stone be a better bet? Which setup is most user friendly and more efficient?

2. Strops ie: Latigo, Russian Leather, Linen and Canvas? Which one(s) would You buy and why?

3. Strop paiste's and dressings? Pumice stone to reset strop surface? Which paiste is optimal w/o having to buy more than one, maybe 2, if necessary.

4. I have seen Balsa wood boards which are impregnated with honing paiste. How valuable are these in obtaining the best edge?

I bought an older combination 2" x 6" combination hone from EvilBay which was close to new with a maybe 1000 grit brown bottom and fine cream top stone for $15. It works OK, but I am unable to get that HHT edge with consistancy.

I first bought a new Dovo Shavette, then a Dovo Black Star with red Pakawood scales. The Shavette was purchased so that I could establish a consistant 30 degee angle. I have a nice soap mug with decent soap and a righteous Badger Hair brush. I watched Lynn's video's on YouTube about making a proper cream lather and put the The Black Star to the test. The razor was shave ready, and my 1st shave was a pleasent Spiritual experience!!

Anyhow, I would appreciate some input concerning the hone and strop questions, as pertaining to Your particular experiences. Thanks for taking the time to help this SRP Member out .