nashville newbie

hows it going gents? i got started with straight razors about 6 months ago. i didn't really have any reference on how to buy, what to look for, methods of use, etc. so i went out and bought a zeepk (huuuuuuuuuge mistake :aargh:). eventually it go so uncomfortable that i quit, but something drew me back to it. probably the fact that i never mastered it and if there's one thing i hate, its giving up. so i did some research and happened to find this forum. it was a massive help. well done site. i eventually read the beginners section, again a beautifully done section. i bought a henkels at an antique store. pretty sharp but it has a few rough spots in it that wont strop out. speaking of that, is there different kinds of stops that do different styles of jobs? if i read the beginners guide correctly, all i would really need is a barbers hone, but no one mentions where i can find one. i am currently unemployed so i don't have a whole lot of money to spare, otherwise i would take advantage of the professional's skills. also, the blade is pretty tarnished. it isn't pitted (yet), the finish is just starting to fade away. what compound would work the best on removing it? also does anyone recommend any kind of mineral oil to use while in storage? if u have any information or other advice for that matter, i would appreciate it. thanks for putting up with my inexpreience. hopefully ill get a lot better soon.

Hi and welcome to SRP. All experiences are welcome here.

You did right reading the beginners section here. Great start. Also good that you dumped the Zeepk.

I think the most popular metal polish is MAAS. I have used it for tarnished razors, but it does not remove rusty pits. I doubt that a barber's hone by itself will get an antique store find shave ready. There are many here that hone razors if you look in the classifieds. I think the going rate is around $20 plus shipping. Look for Glen's listing in the classifieds.

Read the section on strops and stropping in the Wiki.

It would be helpful to us if you could list what you have, including soaps, brushes etc, and what kind of budget you are working off of.

Each time you upgrade, you will either improve your shave or improve your shaving experience. If that Henkels is in good condition you have a really good start.

Good luck and keep posting.

David

thank you for your reply. yes the zeepk was just crap. the first time i used my henkels, i didn't think i was even shaving anything because i was barely putting it to my skin. it did a beautiful job. it has a good edge on it, no chips. it really just seems like it need to be brought it a little bit. still has a good hone on it. the question about strops was more about the kind material it was made of. i do some leather work. and i have some spare belly leather and was going to make my own since my budget for the time being is around 20 bucks( pathetic i know). i use an antique burma mug and brush (my great grandfathers) filled with williams cake soap. i use the aqua velva aftershave, but i might have to change because it seems to be drying out my skin. where can i find some MAAS polish?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tellburkett

thank you for your reply. yes the zeepk was just crap. the first time i used my henkels, i didn't think i was even shaving anything because i was barely putting it to my skin. it did a beautiful job. it has a good edge on it, no chips. it really just seems like it need to be brought it a little bit. still has a good hone on it. the question about strops was more about the kind material it was made of. i do some leather work. and i have some spare belly leather and was going to make my own since my budget for the time being is around 20 bucks( pathetic i know). i use an antique burma mug and brush (my great grandfathers) filled with williams cake soap. i use the aqua velva aftershave, but i might have to change because it seems to be drying out my skin. where can i find some MAAS polish?

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MAAS can be found at a hardware store or online. If you have some skill, it sounds like you can make yourself a balsa hone for touch up. There s a description of how to do it in the Wiki. If your razor is in as good of shape as you say, this would be a good alternative to a Barber's Hone for now - and cheap!!! It involves gluing balsa to a hardwood board, treating it with .5 micron Chromium Oxide (available as a honing compound at woodworker's supply stores) mixed with mineral oil and spread on the balsa.

+1 on the Great-Grandfather's gear. I have 6 of my great-granfather's str8's that I use.

You can actualy get a decent post shave treatment with just old spice and then Nivea after shave balm. Total about $10 bucks at Walmart.

I use choji oil to treat my razors after shaving. It is mineral oil mixed with clove oil. But I think mineral oil will work fine.

You will find a lot of different opinions here, but what you have in equipment will get you far. There are many beginners that have fabricated strops to begin with, so if you have leather skill and $20 bucks, I'd say use them.

David

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tellburkett

pretty sharp but it has a few rough spots in it that wont strop out. speaking of that, is there different kinds of stops that do different styles of jobs? if i read the beginners guide correctly, all i would really need is a barbers hone, but no one mentions where i can find one. i am currently unemployed so i don't have a whole lot of money to spare, otherwise i would take advantage of the professional's skills. also, the blade is pretty tarnished. it isn't pitted (yet), the finish is just starting to fade away. what compound would work the best on removing it? also does anyone recommend any kind of mineral oil to use while in storage?

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Sponsors of this site and some members provide honing services for $20 and that is what you need. You could buy a stone but it will cost you $79-95 and you'll need the skill to use it. You can also buy a cheap strop for $20.

There just happens to be an online retailer in your area, Nashville Knives

nashville knifeshop is apparently in another state. i tried looking for it, but read it was in either indiana or illinois. nothing too "old timey" here except the country music hall of fame, and as i hear it, they're about to drop that building as well for a new convention center. evidently legends don't die hard. a new building plan is all that's needed for its demise. thank yall for all ur help.