Thread: Beginner looking for cheapest usable SR

Ive picked up some very nice razors for less than 15 dollars at antique stores. If you want to have your "own" I would reccomend that. You could also sharpen the antique store razor and leave glens alone. You won't get it as sharp as glen on your first 100 runs.

Originally Posted by LarryAndro

When I started shaving with straights, I used regular shaving cream for a few weeks. Then, I went to Walmart and spent $7.50 and bought some very cheap shave soap, brush and mug. Even though it was as cheap as it gets, I was very surprised at how much better the shave was.

So...

Buy some shave soap and a brush! $7.50. Can you swing it?

You can upgrade later.

Thanks, sounds like a good deal. I think I changed my mind and wan't to order your "poor man's strop kit" also, just sent a PM.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

IMO, That is a superior example of a tumbler run razor.

You are a lucky man...

I had no idea what you were talking about so I just wen't and looked it up. The results in this 31 page thread (link) looked really good. Is this how you polished the razor Glen?

Originally Posted by mrmaroon

Ive picked up some very nice razors for less than 15 dollars at antique stores. If you want to have your "own" I would reccomend that. You could also sharpen the antique store razor and leave glens alone. You won't get it as sharp as glen on your first 100 runs.

If I come across another razor I might try it. I'm not going to try and sharpen this one now, i'm going to continue to use it untill it needs to be honed. It may be a while, but I guess I can wait. I'll enjoy the shaving for now.

Originally Posted by Alltracturbo

I had no idea what you were talking about so I just wen't and looked it up. The results in this 31 page thread (link) looked really good. Is this how you polished the razor Glen?

No, I only use the tumblers now when I want to preserve etching on razors..
Look at this thread and look at the 600 grit buffing compound level, it re-creates a factory satin (working) finish it should look familiar...
I just run them from 80-600 and they pretty much look the same as when they left the factory...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...lustrated.html


For the custom stuff I run them into the polishing compounds... Also if I were cutting that razor to a custom level I would have stayed on the 80 grit wheels much longer and tried to get more of the pitting out... You have to be careful though with hollow grinds, you can push them into the "too thin" level....

What has actually amazed me more, is now that you took pics no one has asked what the notch is for at the front of the tang

I believe the notch is for a guard or comb for making the blade a "safety razor" Glen there should be more people like you who are willing to give thier time and possesions to further the great art of straight razor shaving, people like you make this the greatest forum on the web.
Thank you John

Originally Posted by livingontheedge

I believe the notch is for a guard or comb for making the blade a "safety razor" Glen there should be more people like you who are willing to give thier time and possesions to further the great art of straight razor shaving, people like you make this the greatest forum on the web.
Thank you John

Give that man a Cigar !!!!!
There is also a tiny screw hole on the front of the blade, for the guard attachment...
Thank for the complement John, I just have fun man... and if I can help out I try..

I will echo the words of MANY here, but I tried to start a running program "on the cheap" (please, no offense intended) and ran (pardon the pun) into a variety of injury issues. I finally broke down and went to a running store to see what this "finding the right shoe" business was all about. I found out that MY shoe was too big, too narrow, and causing the injuries. Rather than MY $39.99, I went with their $69.99 shoe. I realized the woman at the store helping me, really wanted to help me. Like the meisters, nubies, and everyone in between, we know that a cheapo razor may likely give you a bad experience and you'll think str8's aren't all we think they are. Your initial investment can actually SAVE you much in the long run. Plus, if you don't like the legitimate experience, there are alot of us who have RAD who may buy that good razor in the classified.

Hope this helps

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What has actually amazed me more, is now that you took pics no one has asked what the notch is for at the front of the tang

I was wondering about the notch and also the hole in the front. I had no idead what the reason for either was, but forgot to ask. So what does a straight razor guard do? I searched online for a picture, but couldn't find anything.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/237674-post8.html


There is a Shumate with one on...

Some were more like a comb and allowed for almost a trimmer version ...

Originally Posted by welshwizard

You've been given excellent advice. There is a minimum spend, below which you will not be able to purchase something good enough to use on your face.

An advantage to buying from the classifieds here is that if it says shave ready, it is shave ready. The inexpensive Gold Dollar will not be and you'll have to send it out.

Originally Posted by Alltracturbo

I was wondering about the notch and also the hole in the front. I had no idead what the reason for either was, but forgot to ask. So what does a straight razor guard do? I searched online for a picture, but couldn't find anything.

I was going to ask but did not want to change the subject
and confuse the thread. BTW thanks Glen for telling us how
you cleaned up the blade. Nice clean job by the looks of it.