eBay razor let down... go figure

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on this website and I am new to Straight Razor shaving. I purchased a razor on eBay as a "Starter" but its not working at all. It pulls rather than cuts and just scrapes at my skin without cutting hardly any hairs. Upon searching YouTube for videos and various forums for information i came to the conclusion that my blade is in fact NOT shave ready. the tip of the blade looks as though the person i purchased it from merely ran it through a knife sharpener a few times instead of honing it. I honed it a bit on a stone that i have (however i feel it is far to coarse 500 grit) it did make the razor a bit better, but it still looks rather poor on the end.

any advice would be helpful.

Ive looked into possibly just purchasing a razor from RupRazor or possibly sending it to be honed.

Thanks to all
-Jacob

Welcome to SRP Jacob. Sorry to hear about your razor not being shave ready. Check out the beginner's guide in the SRP Wiki and take note of "razors to avoid". I hope you didn't end up with one of those. Here is the member services of the SRP classifieds where members offer honing for a nominal fee. See my sig line below for a link to the Wiki. :gl:

Hello, Jacob,

There is a reason why we advice beginners to steer clear of auction sites... ;) You might find this Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki helpful.

Good luck, and keep us posted,
Robin

Hi jacob
Congrats on your first post!
Sorry to hear about the blade but don't be discouraged.( I have 5 razors I bought on ebay.)
You need to get it honed to "shave ready " standard-there are many members of this site who may be able to help you.If not send it out to a pro-honer in your area.
Keep your hone handy- 500 grit is perfect for setting a bevel on a razor and as your skills improve you will be able to use it on your own razors.
Keep us informed of your progress.
Welcome to SRP!
Regards
Noggs :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by noggs247

Keep your hone handy- 500 grit is perfect for setting a bevel on a razor

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Not really, cf What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Hi Jacob. Maybe 500 grit was a good start if the razor was put thru a knife sharpener but that would still leave it a loooooong way from shave ready.
+1 on sending it out & buying a ready razor

welcome to SRP, hopefully your experience so far isn't going to discourage you for giving it another (this time proper) try.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mcjacob71990

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on this website and I am new to Straight Razor shaving. I purchased a razor on eBay as a "Starter" but its not working at all.
.....snip....
I honed it a bit on a stone that i have (however i feel it is far to coarse 500 grit) it did make the razor a bit better, but it still looks rather poor on the end.

any advice would be helpful.

Ive looked into possibly just purchasing a razor from RupRazor or possibly sending it to be honed.

Thanks to all
-Jacob

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Some Ebay razors are good and some will never take an edge.
Since we know nothing about the razor I am flipping a coin....

I think the most effective solution is to send your razor
out for honing. If the steel is worthy it will come back
sharp and ready to shave with.


Consult the beginner FAQ section of the Wiki...
Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki

If you find your razor on the avoid these razors list
on the Wiki a RupRazor may be the best bet.
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki