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I am a newbie, and would like to start straight razor shaving. I have viewed Lyn's dvd.
For my first razor, should I buy brand new? Brands? Size?
Or should I buy a used razor ?
As far as stones, would natural wet stones 4000 & 8000 grit be better than a Norton stone?
What is good 12000 grit stone? Did a search....didn't find many?
What brand of a paddle strop would be suggested?
Thank you for your time and energy!
Welcome to SRP!
You didn't mention your budget so, let's assume that we don't want to go to either extreme. I would recommend a 5/8 or 6/8 round point razor. My personal advice would be to go with a new razor that has been pre-honed by an expert. The initial cost may be a bit higher than going with a used razor, but you will eliminate a couple of variables and you will get a pro-honed razor that could also include a free re-honing later.
You will also need a quality strop and, if you don't have one, a decent brush with some soap/cream. You probably don't need to buy any hones right away. Proper stropping and maybe a felt strop with diamond spray will keep your edge going for quite a while.
Once you are comfortable with the straight and you have experienced what a shave ready edge feels like (one of the main reasons for buying a pro-honed razor) then pick up a used razor or two and get some hones. Which ones? I know you asked that originally, but it's really a good topic for a separate post.
Good luck. Feel free to drop me a pm if you have questions.
Edit: Didn't see Old_School's post before I posted. Sorry for the duplicate info.
+1 on what Old_School and Bill said. Just want to welcome you to SRP. :) Good luck with putting together your kit. :)
welcome, i have a chinese 12k waterstone that i purchased from woodcraft.com for about $40 with s/h. i have had good luck with it. i know other members here also have the same and like it as it is much lower in cost compared to some of the shapton and naniwa(spelling on that might be wrong)
also i have a latigo 3" strop i bought from vintagebladesllc and really like that also.. good luck and feel free to ask if you need more info.
the members here are some of the most helpful that you will ever find anywhere..
Welcome to SRP ! At the risk of sounding redundant, I agree with the others. A 5/8 or 6/8 round point is an excellent choice. Dovo is a good brand, affordable as well. You can get a nice one for under 100 dollars. SRD has them on sale right now, (straight razor designs . com ) From that vendor you can be assured that it is shave ready. For a 12k stone, You have the Chinese 12k, a slow natural finisher, and also Naniwa, a synthetic hone, which is superior and faster IMO. There are few others, but these two are the most affordable, especially the Chinese 12k. Many new guys start off with the Nortons. They are great hones. You can get a package deal on the 4/8k and 220/1k with a lapping plate at sharpening supplies. For everyday stropping, you should get a hanging strop, but SRD has both...PM me if you have any questions....Hope this helps.....
Rich
Welcome, I hope you enjoy the shave.
The Filly from RupRazor, I found, was a great strop to learn on. I also purchased a 3'' Latigo Leather Strop, at the same time and am so glad I had the Filly to practice with.
nate