Thread: 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

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

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 keeps me from HAD to a point

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.

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.

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.

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 No prob