Thread: new beginning

Hi everyone, I recently purchased my first straight razor (antique) and cannot get it sharp so I am looking to start over. I listened to my stepfather and apparently he has no idea what he is talking about. Anyone have advice on finding a blade, strop, and stone for a decent price?

thanks
Justin

If you haven't done so yet, check out the Beginner's Guide on the wiki. You ought to get a lot of good info to start.


After that, it may be easiest to check out this thread. Most of the advice applies.
Good luck and welcome to SRP!

Originally Posted by jrauen01

Hi everyone, I recently purchased my first straight razor (antique) and cannot get it sharp so I am looking to start over. I listened to my stepfather and apparently he has no idea what he is talking about. Anyone have advice on finding a blade, strop, and stone for a decent price?

thanks
Justin

Do you live in the US?

If so, I could probably sharpen the razor you bought. If you could take some pictures of it that would be helpful in determining if it's a quality razor worth sharpening.

Let me know, and I'd be glad to help out if I can.

thanks for the link. How important is a honing stone? And which grit is best? I really want to succeed with straight edge but seem to be having a rough start!

thanks Rob, yes, I live in Mn. But I think my blade is a lost cause! I tried to test the sharpness by cutting my arm but could not draw blood no matter how hard I tried. I would rather start fresh. When I do something, I want to do it right!

Justin

Originally Posted by jrauen01

thanks for the link. How important is a honing stone? And which grit is best? I really want to succeed with straight edge but seem to be having a rough start!

You can find people to sharpen razors for you here. Several people have their services listed in the Classifieds.

It's probably best to pick up another razor from ebay that is a good razor (many can be had for under $20) and practice honing with THAT razor so you don't dull the edge of your sharp razor.

If you just want to "touch up" your sharp edge, you can get a barber hone (also from ebay) or another finishing stone (C12k, Escher, Jnat, etc.) if you prefer.

If you get a razor sharpened, you can easily maintain that edge for a good while with a pasted strop and a leather strop.

If you plan on restoring old razors, that's gonna require more hones, and a decent investment of time.

The Wiki also has a great deal of information about honing, and a great source of information on the subject. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Originally Posted by jrauen01

thanks Rob, yes, I live in Mn. But I think my blade is a lost cause! I tried to test the sharpness by cutting my arm but could not draw blood no matter how hard I tried. I would rather start fresh. When I do something, I want to do it right!

Justin

The blade might just be really dull. I have a full set of hones, and could probably get it sharp for you if it's a good quality razor (i.e. made by a quality razor company).

Like I said, pictures or just saying what is stamped on the tang might suffice.

Its a wade and butcher razor. On one side it says Manufactured by wade and butcher sheffield. I cannot read the other side but it looks something like "blank" and Ole's "blank" steel

thank you for all the help. I have no intention at this point of working with antique razors. I just would like to be able to shave cleanly with a nice straight edge. I will probably start looking on ebay. Any advice on brands?

Wade and Butcher is a good quality vintage razor...If you send it to a honemeister, such as Rob, he should be able to get an edge on it that is sharp.

As was suggested previously, go to the SRP wiki, before buying any str8 razor. It will tell you what brands of razors are good and which ones to stay away from.

If all else fails, go to Ruprazor, the SRP classifieds, Straight Razor Designs or Vintage Blades. You can find a professionally sharpened razor in any of those places.

IMHO going to ebay may not be the best choice for somebody who is just getting into str8 razor shaving.

Take care...