Help me learn AD!

Here's the deal, I'm still pretty new to str8s, and have only a small collection of hardware thus far. I'd like to start thinking about my next purchases, and I'd like your input.

Here's the gear I currently have:
Dovo Half Hollow 5/8" (bought new)
Dovo Linen/Cowhide Strop, Travel Size (11.75" x 1.75" usable area).
Omega Pure Badger Shaving Brush (because it was the cheapest badger that I liked the look of)
A disposable blade str8 arriving in the mail this week.

I'm pretty happy with the choices I made for my first purchases, but of course I'll "need" more at some point. I'm considering the following gear (in the order listed) to get my AD rolling. My time-frame is loosely within the year, I'm not trying to go too crazy.
1) A larger strop (I'm thinking maybe an SRD w/3" x 17" usable area)
2) A second (real) razor. Most likely a used razor that's been made shave ready. Possibly from the classifieds here.
3) A silvertip brush that I really like
4) At least 1 hone, possible a Norton 4000/8000
5?) A scuttle I like (this one is not in order, I'll pick this up when I happen across one that really catches my eye)

I'd like to hear your thoughts on what I "should" get next. Is this a reasonable order in which to expand my collection? Did I leave out something super critical? I'm interested in any input you have, even if it's just your opinion, or an, "If it were me..." What do you think?

I would say a second straight so when your Dovo needs to get honed you will have a replacement ready to use.

Greginator,

I think your timeline and your "requirements" are great. I just bought the SRD Premium IV, and I'm giddy over how great it feels, and the size. I was using a 2" strop to begin with, and the notion of a 3" width is still something i'm not used to.

I also have the Norton 4/8 combo. It's a great stone, both for razors, and my arsenal of chef's knives. If you're only planning on touching up your edges, rather than sharpening them, you may be able to get away with a finishing stone (10K, 12k) and some CroX. Hopefully some other, more experienced members will chime in on this one. (I'm new to honing razors, but I've used the 4/8 combo for years in professional kitchens).

Good luck with your acquisitions. It's tax season....which usually means a present or two for me....and a chunk in the RRSP!

Cheers,
Maxi

Troggie, love the avitar :mace:

AD... Oh how we need to learn it's true meaning :p

That Dovo is a real blade (just thought I'd add that)

I'd put the second razor as #1 on the list as that strop will hold ya quite a while. Also depending on your finances you may just want to keep an eye out for good deals (AD's love that one) that happen all the time.

+1 on that Norton 4k/8k invaluable stone if not the very foundation of things to come. Sure you can get cheaper stones but not the quality vs $$ on that one.

Oh brushes... thats an AD I haven't jumped on yet, they are just to personal to just grab and prey... That said I have a starter silver tip (TGQ carries it) a mid line AoS, and was given a lovely SRP 2008 brush... I'm very content on my brushes...

Razors... Ya... I'm not even looking for the 12 step RAD program... I think I passed that off ramp years ago and still haven't found the breaks... I think I have just under 25 in the mail as I type... oops...

Hones I'm to picky on so I haven't gotten to crazy on them... ya right... I just want the ones I can't afford :p keeps me from HAD to a point :p

oh my this will be a long list in the end. your razor is a good one and you will be well served for the rest of your life .the thing i have learned thru my rad was that a razor tends to be a razor, that is they all shave well when they are sharp, however if you must, i would get a english razor sheffield steel has allways seemed smoother to me.a bigger strop? by all means. either the sdr you mentioned or one of tony millers masterpieces your strop will make or break your shave.a silvertip brush?i would try one that was a bit short in loft say 45/ 50 max the bigger brushs that i have use a lot of soap or creame.hone? norton 4000/8000 is a sound choice. it is the most used stone i have.i would get some chromium oxide also. its cheap and puts a final sting to your edge and is good to keep your razor shaving longer too.scuddle ahh i made my scuddle and realy like hot lather. just sitting you bowl in hot water will give you the effect or making your lather on the thick side and dipping your brush tips into hot water to finish lathering.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maxi

I also have the Norton 4/8 combo. It's a great stone, both for razors, and my arsenal of chef's knives. (I'm new to honing razors, but I've used the 4/8 combo for years in professional kitchens).


Cheers,
Maxi

---

Don't get me started on KKAD (Kitchen Knife Acquisition Disease )

Not on your list, but what I would add first is something to freshen up your edge, like a paddle strop for pasting. Alternatively, since you are looking to get a wider strop, you may do that and just paste your small travel strop.

You've got some good choices there. I wasn't thinking of it until I saw Ray's post but the modular paddle that SRD just came out with will give you a lot of mileage and choices to keep the razor tuned up. That or the second razor would be my priorities.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

That Dovo is a real blade (just thought I'd add that)

---

My mistake, I meant a second real razor (meaning the one I had was real). I said that because I'm not counting the disposable blade str8 a second "real" razor.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greginator

My mistake, I meant a second real razor (meaning the one I had was real). I said that because I'm not counting the disposable blade str8 a second "real" razor.

---

LOL I see your point :p No prob :)

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I have not heard of any cures for AD's (other buying more stuff)!! :beer1:

Say it isn't so!!!!
:aargh:

Just a few thoughts...

The Norton 4/8k combo is a great stone, but if you are acquiring razors that are already shave ready upon delivery, all you really need to keep them tip-top is a simple barber's hone. Finding one can be fun; you might look for a Swaty, Shumate or similar. You could use the 8k side of the Norton for touch-ups, but a barber's hone will more likely be in the range of 10k or so and will cost far less.

I agree with the rest of your list. Don't forget quality prep items. For me, part of the fun/challenge was finding the right mix of pre-shave items and shave cream that gave me the most enjoyable experience.
:tu

i'd suggest getting either a nice extra hollow, which would help with developing a better technique sooner, or a wedge, which will be very different than the one you have.

I'm with the fellas saying just start with second shave ready and barber hone, 12K, or pasted strop. If ya go with the pasted strop then 3" strop would be next on list.
Good luck & good shaving

So, y'all think a 10k or 12k might be better for touch up honing?

Alot of people like the chinesse 12k as a finish stone, others push farther, others not so far. Unfortunatly thats one area you have to try for yourself grasshopper... This past year I went all natural stones for my straight razor maintainance, awaiting an asagi at this moment, shaving off my coticule with a Cro2 strop.

I used to have a 16k shapton glass stone but didn't like it much, hard to say what exactly put me off to it but I didn't like the feel as well as the shave off it... Spooky as the asagi is guestamated around 25k... find out when it gets here lol.