Thread: 7 day straight razor kit

I am new to the use of straight razors. Recently, I purchased a Sunday thru Saturday kit. The handles appear to be well made, however, there are no marking whatsoever on the tang, blade or leather wrap. The edges do not seem shave ready, but this may have be to my advantage since it got me started. I will try to hone them and use the strop I used with my woodcarving tools. Can anyone tell me how to determine the manufacturer and the quality of blade? The set was priced at $100 and sold for 80. Compared to used straight razors with plastic handles found in extensive antique market searches the past fall in Western North Carolina, it seems a good deal. I have made bench knives from old razors with ram horns. It is good to be aboard.

welcome to srp.

i guess that this is very likely to remain a mystery set.
you should post photos anyways.

i hope you didnt get a set of zeepk!

Originally Posted by Swagman

I am new to the use of straight razors. Recently, I purchased a Sunday thru Saturday kit. The handles appear to be well made, however, there are no marking whatsoever on the tang, blade or leather wrap. The edges do not seem shave ready, but this may have be to my advantage since it got me started. I will try to hone them and use the strop I used with my woodcarving tools. Can anyone tell me how to determine the manufacturer and the quality of blade? The set was priced at $100 and sold for 80. Compared to used straight razors with plastic handles found in extensive antique market searches the past fall in Western North Carolina, it seems a good deal. I have made bench knives from old razors with ram horns. It is good to be aboard.

If you have not shaved with a straight before, I'd advise sending one or two of them out to be professionally honed. It may take some time to learn to shave, and often a beginner will attibute problems to a dull razor, when in fact it is his technique or beard prep. Also note that improper stropping can also dull the edge (please read the wiki on stropping). If you toss in a potentially dull razor into the mix while you are trying to learn, you just have too many variables to isolate any problems.

After you have figured out how to get a great shave, then move on to honing yourself. When you are ready to do that, having a razor that was honed correctly by a pro will give you a good benchmark.

Take care
-Chief

Thanks, Chief: You provide sound and sage advice. I have been woodcarving for about a year or so and I know what a quality knife and a sharp edge will accomplish in a piece of wood - I can imagine what it might be like to involve my face. No doubt that my razors need sharpening but I did notice this morning that I achieve a close shave on my neck - I still need to touch up with my safety razor, but... The hot towels and lather helped too!