Thread: Very Frustrated

So, a couple of years ago my wife bought me what looks like a nice straight razor and all the other equipment I needed. When I tried to use it the first time, it just felt like it was ripping through the hair on my face, so I figured it wasn't shave ready. I put it down, meaning to get it professionally honed so I could try again. Well, fast forward 2 years. I took it to one of those cutlery places in the mall to get sharpened. Apparently they sent it out to someplace. So, about 15 minutes ago I try it out. Same thing. Can't even cut through about half an inch of light beard without feeling like I'm ripping out the hair. I tried different angles, etc... but it just doesn't seem sharp. I'm wondering if the place I took it to even did anything. I tried the hanging hair test and the results weren't good. Is there a better way to test for sharpness?

Any thoughts? I'm contemplating just giving up for good, which is very disappointing.

Thanks,
Matt

Photo or description of the razor?

They call it "razor sharp" for a reason. Check the classifieds here at SRP and send it to someone who knows what they're doing. Unless its junk to start with, which I doubt, the difference will astound you.

+1 on sending it to someone. If you start with a really well honed razor, you will then have something you realy need, and that is a starting point. Once you have experienced what one is suppost to feel like, you will be able to tell when the edge needs more than just stropping.

Enjoy!

Ray

what type of razor is it? sounds like the place you took it too did not have a clue for honing a straight.. like the other post said, look in the classifieds here and send it out....lynn abrams is the one that honed mine and i am well satisfied..do not get discouraged, we all have made mistakes and gotten off to a bad start sometimes...once you get the razor "shave ready" you will see a difference and with time and practice you will come to enjoy straight shaving...it will all come in place...

+1 to what's already been said. Alot of those 'we sharpen things' places are only familiar with sharpening knives, not razors. A litmus test you can use is this, "if the guy honing my razor doesn't use one himself, I'm not going to let him touch it"

Thanks for all the responses so far. I was hoping that by taking it to this knife place, they would make it shave ready. My plan all along was to send it off to Lynn, but just never got around to it. Guess you get what you pay for

So, I've attached a couple of pictures of the razor. Does it look familiar to anyone?

Thanks!
Matt

I am unfamiliar with the brand but it looks like a nice razor. As said earlier, if the person sharpening does not use one, then you can't trust them.
Early today I offered to hone one for someone that has a non-shave ready razor. I will do the same for you and hone it free. As I told him, I am no Guru, but I can make a razor shave ready, if its not too bad. You just pay shipping. Either that, or I can sell you one from my personal collection for a low price that I use and can help you out.
PM me if you are interested and I'll do my best to help you out.
Don't Give Up!

that should make a really great razor, it is a german solingen and i have always had great luck with solingen razors..definitely get it shave ready and i think you will be well pleased...

Those are nice razors.......send it to me and I hone it for you on me. You can pay the postage.

Read our beginner info and start off slow when you get it back so you can get it down easier and enjoy it.

Ooops, didn't see Trey's post. Sorry. You shouldn't need to buy one unless you just gots to have another.

Lynn