Starting out with a cheap straight

Hello all,

Firstly, I'm new to this forum so I'll take a brief time to introduce myself. My name is Kamil, and I will be 17 this January. I personally find liking in older things and methods as opposed to the modern stuff that's just produced so cheaply and uniformly nowadays it doesn't really carry any particular value anymore. To say the least, I'm the kind of person who would ask for a 50+ dollar fountain pen for his birthday rather than an Xbox 360 (which I don't have anyway because I think it's a waste of money and space).

Recently, I've been gifted a fairly cheap (and I mean cheap) straight razor from a friend who said it is fairly new; he bought the razor on ebay for maybe 10$ dollars about 1 or 2 weeks ago (supposedly it was new when he bought it). The razor is fairly dull and when put up to the light I can see the light reflect randomly all over the edge, although the edge is bowed so it's hard to say. The razor hasn't been used for anything, except for my idiot friend trying to cut his steel strings on the guitar >.>

I thought that just maybe I can somehow resharpen the edge of the razor and make it reusable while still staying within a reasonable (for a 17 year old on allowance ^.^) cost. I've been looking around for hones and I find some for 10 bucks with grits of 120/240 or something like that which I believe are the ones used for restoring edges and whatnot. I am wondering, however, if it would be possible to actually use a higher grit hone like a 4000 maybe to do pretty much the same thing with a bit more time and saving myself having to buy so many hones.

I can't really take any pictures because I'm lacking a quality camera and all of them come out shady and unfocused. The razor says XL 1028 Stainless China; made by Tomahawk. It looks fairly nice and whatnot, so I'm actually somewhat interested in keeping it. Can anything be done about it? Please keep in mind how tight on money I am XD

Thanks for the help in advance!
Cheers!

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

The razor says XL 1028 Stainless China; made by Tomahawk.

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This means that the razor is not made for shaving...it's a 'razor-shaped-object'. It will never be able to hold an edge worthy of shaving...sorry to break the bad news. If you're looking for something to shave with, check the classifieds, you can get razors completely worthy of a great shave for about $30-$40 at times. You can also check out whippeddog.com for more entry level razors.

Yup, I'm sorry to say that I second that. A crap razor made of poor steel is simply a waste of time and money. It won't hold an edge and a poor quality razor won't shave you well, yet is more likely to cut you. Though this seems counterintuitive, you end up using more pressure to compensate for the relatively dull edge and you will end up with either a cut or razor burn, or both.

86 that thing and, if you really are interested in str8 shaving, start reading up on the wisdom within this forum, especially the sticky notes on the beginners forum. As far as not liking the XBOX, are you serious???

I repectfully beg to differ with my coleages on this forum. I have run the name past yahoo and come back with a store called Rockland Knives that re-sells these things to the general public and yes they are made for shaving. They are ment for men who like to get abck to basics when the go camping they are referred to by Rockland as "wilderness straight razors" and I think that its worth an attempt to make it "shave ready". I would recommend sending it to someone like Lynn Abrams to get it done right while you learn the art of sharpening a straight.

Zeepks are made for shaving too, but that doesn't mean they are any good at it. The Tomahawks are on SRPs do not buy list. If you want to risk spending the money to hone it, go for it, but I strongly suspect you will be wasting your money.

HERE is the Rockland Knives link. Judge for yourself.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

Hello all,

Firstly, I'm new to this forum so I'll take a brief time to introduce myself. My name is Kamil, and I will be 17 this January. I personally find liking in older things and methods as opposed to the modern stuff that's just produced so cheaply and uniformly nowadays it doesn't really carry any particular value anymore.

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I liek that part.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

To say the least, I'm the kind of person who would ask for a 50+ dollar fountain pen for his birthday rather than an Xbox 360 (which I don't have anyway because I think it's a waste of money and space).

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I don't like that part. however, PS3 > XBox 360. IMHO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

Recently, I've been gifted a fairly cheap (and I mean cheap) straight razor from a friend who said it is fairly new; he bought the razor on ebay for maybe 10$ dollars about 1 or 2 weeks ago (supposedly it was new when he bought it). The razor is fairly dull and when put up to the light I can see the light reflect randomly all over the edge, although the edge is bowed so it's hard to say.

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That gives me a cold shiver on my back.

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

The razor hasn't been used for anything, except for my idiot friend trying to cut his steel strings on the guitar >.>

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OLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

I thought that just maybe I can somehow resharpen the edge of the razor and make it reusable while still staying within a reasonable (for a 17 year old on allowance ^.^) cost. I've been looking around for hones and I find some for 10 bucks with grits of 120/240 or something like that which I believe are the ones used for restoring edges and whatnot. I am wondering, however, if it would be possible to actually use a higher grit hone like a 4000 maybe to do pretty much the same thing with a bit more time and saving myself having to buy so many hones.

I can't really take any pictures because I'm lacking a quality camera and all of them come out shady and unfocused. The razor says XL 1028 Stainless China; made by Tomahawk. It looks fairly nice and whatnot, so I'm actually somewhat interested in keeping it. Can anything be done about it? Please keep in mind how tight on money I am XD

Thanks for the help in advance!
Cheers!

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Don't even bother with that razor, You might want to buy one off the forums. There are some really good ones with very acceptable prices, even for a 17 year old.

Or you might get really lucky, as I did, when I bought an excellent straight razor for ten bucks off a swiss auction site. A few strokes on the hone and voilà.

But if you like old, classic stuff and have objections against the (extremely unecological) disposable cartridge razors, then straight razor shaving might be something for you.

/EDIT: If the edge is bowed and the razor had been used for actually cutting guitar strings, then it's definitely ruined. Don't bother with a broken china razor. Hate to say this, it might make me sound a like a racist, which i am not, but true quality artisanry can only be found in western europe. when it comes to steel stuff, the japanese are probably just as skilled.

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Originally Posted by red96ta

This means that the razor is not made for shaving...it's a 'razor-shaped-object'. It will never be able to hold an edge worthy of shaving...sorry to break the bad news. If you're looking for something to shave with, check the classifieds, you can get razors completely worthy of a great shave for about $30-$40 at times. You can also check out whippeddog.com for more entry level razors.

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Why does that mean it's not viable to use for shaving? Essentially, buying a better razor is something I'm going to do, but then I would like to keep this one to practice sharpening on or whatever other stuff there is before I get down to business with the better razor.

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Originally Posted by flyman

86 that thing and, if you really are interested in str8 shaving, start reading up on the wisdom within this forum, especially the sticky notes on the beginners forum. As far as not liking the XBOX, are you serious???

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Well, the original Xbox is a fine console once modded. The xbox360 does not appeal to me in the least bit. Don't get me wrong, neither does the PS3. It would seem that nowadays companies put so much effort into making everything look and sound nice, which I guess is ok for the companies producing those consoles, but the games that come out are only nice to look at (majority anyway).

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Originally Posted by jbcohen

I repectfully beg to differ with my coleages on this forum. I have run the name past yahoo and come back with a store called Rockland Knives that re-sells these things to the general public and yes they are made for shaving. They are ment for men who like to get abck to basics when the go camping they are referred to by Rockland as "wilderness straight razors" and I think that its worth an attempt to make it "shave ready". I would recommend sending it to someone like Lynn Abrams to get it done right while you learn the art of sharpening a straight.

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I've seen some "respectable" reviews on Amazon and whatnot, but there is plenty of idiots posting on the internet, so I wanted a little more interactive (detailed) opinion from the forum XD

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Originally Posted by shiznix

But if you like old, classic stuff and have objections against the (extremely unecological) disposable cartridge razors, then straight razor shaving might be something for you.

/EDIT: If the edge is bowed and the razor had been used for actually cutting guitar strings, then it's definitely ruined. Don't bother with a broken china razor. Hate to say this, it might make me sound a like a racist, which i am not, but true quality artisanry can only be found in western europe. when it comes to steel stuff, the japanese are probably just as skilled.

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Well, as far as the old, classic stuff goes, I really have no objection to the modern ways. They're a convenience which is widely available and seems to be the norm. I just like to put more effort or sentiment (for lack of a better word) into whatever it is that I'm currently referring to (ie. manual transmission in cars). Disposable isn't really my thing, not because I'm polluting the environment and whatnot, I just don't get too much "fun" if I have to replace a vital part of my tool all the time.

Speaking of Japanese steel... talk about shaving with a katana >.> There's just something about having a giant atom-splicing sword around your face, freshly in the morning, cutting off facial hair ;D

Thanks for all replies guys :D

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

Why does that mean it's not viable to use for shaving? Essentially, buying a better razor is something I'm going to do, but then I would like to keep this one to practice sharpening on or whatever other stuff there is before I get down to business with the better razor.

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Well, There is nothing wrong with practice. The problem is similar to the "Timber Rattler" razor that I bought. Learning to hone requires a final test called the "Shave" test. Your razor and my timber rattler will never pass because the edge required for shaving is very delicate and needs a quality steel of which those razors do not possess. So you will never know if you are doing it correctly!!

I chucked my Timber Rattler into the trash and never looked back!!

.:beer2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

Why does that mean it's not viable to use for shaving? Essentially, buying a better razor is something I'm going to do, but then I would like to keep this one to practice sharpening on or whatever other stuff there is before I get down to business with the better razor.


Speaking of Japanese steel... talk about shaving with a katana >.> There's just something about having a giant atom-splicing sword around your face, freshly in the morning, cutting off facial hair ;D

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Speaking of katana would you like to try shaving with a false-edged replica?

Before you get a real straight it can be used to getting familiar with holding a blade and stropping.
When you start shaving with a straight you can probably use it to mock a stroke that your not sure about so you hesitate with the dull blade not the real one

You still seem to need the rest of the equipment so a usable straight should not be a problem:beer2:

Ahh, well, in that case I guess it will make a fine butter knife :D I'll have to look for a different one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

Why does that mean it's not viable to use for shaving? Essentially, buying a better razor is something I'm going to do, but then I would like to keep this one to practice sharpening on or whatever other stuff there is before I get down to business with the better razor.

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Hi,

Welcome to the SRP. Lot of info for you to find here.

I agree that you can easily take some advantage of this razor of yours by trying to sharpen it. It is good for practice, if nothing else. And yes, IMHO i believe you can make it a shaver for some time, but for what i've read, these Chinese cheap razors wont keep their edge for long.
If you are ok with your razor then stick with it. Keep practicing and you learn. Get the idea - at least until some point, how steel and hones behave. Hopefully some day you get your hands on some more 'respectful' razor and then you can easily see the difference. There is no need to hurry now if you are willing to try with what you have. Most people usually want more and more, but you seem to be happy with what you have. It is an attitude worth our respect specially from a young gentleman of your age.

Can't say nuthing about consoles. I should ask my son (same age as you are) :p

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Originally Posted by Sailor

Hi,

Welcome to the SRP. Lot of info for you to find here.

I agree that you can easily take some advantage of this razor of yours by trying to sharpen it. It is good for practice, if nothing else. And yes, IMHO i believe you can make it a shaver for some time, but for what i've read, these Chinese cheap razors wont keep their edge for long.
If you are ok with your razor then stick with it. Keep practicing and you learn. Get the idea - at least until some point, how steel and hones behave. Hopefully some day you get your hands on some more 'respectful' razor and then you can easily see the difference. There is no need to hurry now if you are willing to try with what you have. Most people usually want more and more, but you seem to be happy with what you have. It is an attitude worth our respect specially from a young gentleman of your age.

Can't say nuthing about consoles. I should ask my son (same age as you are) :p

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Hello Sailor!

I think that is what I'm going to do. I'm going to stick with this cheap razor for a bit of time and see how that turns out. The hones, strops, and other stuff are not bound to one razor so if this one does not work out too well, I'll just buy a better one, although I'm planning to do so either way. Maybe it'll turn out to be better for a beginner perhaps giving more frequent practice with the hones or something like that. I'm not especially picky about this as I'm sure that the right technique and preparation can compensate for some of the quality that a given tool is lacking; however, if it's not even possible to use it then the next logical thing is to get a better one. Also, thanks for the compliments, I appreciate that :D

P.S. To be honest, I don't really know that much about consoles either. I sometimes feel left out when my friends talk about it, but it just seems not to appeal to me >.> I lived in America for about 6 or so years now, and for the first 2 years I haven't had many friends who played their consoles frequently. People didn't really have consoles in Poland, so I didn't spend my childhood playing video games, therefore, I don't enjoy them as much as I probably "should" (that's debatable). I do love the older stuff however ^.^ The PlayStation One is my favorite, housing some of my favorite games such as (obviously) Final Fantasy VII :D Well, either way, the modern games that come out don't really improve anything and don't exactly add anything interesting.

I've only been wet shaving for about 4 months, so you may find better advice from the veterans out there. I started out with a Parker replaceable blade razor. It's similar to using a real straight, but I did still need to change what I was doing after I upgraded to get a good shave. It's something to think about, as it is a fairly cheap way to see if straight shaving is for you.

I'm going to ostresize myself here, and disagree with just about every comment that's been said about that razor of yours. I've been sharpening all kinds of things since I was a kid. If I could get a cheap, crappy, chinese made pocketknife shaving sharp (and I could and did), with a cheap, crappy, fine grit pocket stone, then, I don't see why you can't get that cheap, crappy, chinese razor to give you a decent shave with a bit of effort too. Maybe more effort than would have been needed, now that it's been used to cut guitar strings. You could get youself a piece of mild steel and sharpen it up enough to give you one good shave at least. Your razor has the advantage of being shaped like a razor, and not a piece of flat mild steel.
OK, so you might be having to go back to the hone after every few shaves instead of every few months, but you can look at that as extra practice honing. At least you're not having to knap yourself a flint or obsidion razor or sharpening up a sea shell like our ancestors of millennia past. I say go for it young man, it won't be an easy road, but on limited budget and with a little patience and ingenuity on your part, you CAN make it happen!


Mick

If Kamil, you wan't to use a straight, my advice is to spend 30 dollars or so and get a genuine one that has been forged by masters in Germany, Sweden, the UK or the USA. Japanese steel is also awesome, though quite dear.

This hobby can be hard enough to learn at times, don't make it even harder for yourself by a razor that may not take quite as keen an edge as most of us use.

Keep that as a junk razor to ameliorate and learn honing on; get a real shave ready straight from a member here in the Classifieds.

There are frequently many great, inexpensive and above all, shave ready razors to choose from, and no member here will ever sell you a garbage razor.

Trust me, as John Ruskin once said, it is unwise to pay too much for something; equally it is unwise to pay too little. When you pay to little, you bear the risk of correcting it, where as it would have been cheaper to buy the correct item in the first place.

Good luck and let us know of your decision.

Not meaning to sound offensive Scipio, but he hasn't spent a thing yet. This razor was a gift, so he'll have $10 more to spend on a decent razor once he's got the allowance money saved for better quality.


Mick

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Originally Posted by MickR

Not meaning to sound offensive Scipio, but he hasn't spent a thing yet. This razor was a gift, so he'll have $10 more to spend on a decent razor once he's got the allowance money saved for better quality.


Mick

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Good point Mick and no offense taken. I still would advise Kamil to just buy a proper straight. If he were to spend 30-40 on a straight, and a similar amount on a cheap strop, he'd save money after about 6-8 months or so on cartridges anyway - or if he were planning on purchasing an electric razor, he'd benefit even sooner financially.

Besides, as to advising him on technique, few of us will know if it is him or the razor if he is experiencing problems, as we do not know how long or good the edges of such inconsistent low quality steel last, do we?

If it was a Shumate for instance, or a Genco honed by a member here, then we would have a far better idea or what may be wrong.

Another thing - you say get that Pakistani razor honed by a pro? Pros will not hone 'don't buy listed' razors, even Gold Dollars. Max certainly doesn't, don't know about the others.

Gentlemen:

For clarification not all razors on the "do not buy list" are there because of their ability or lack there of to take an edge..
There are various reasons that they go on there...

Some are way too expensive for the low quality that they are, some can take an edge but it doesn't last through the shave , some can't take and edge at all, some take an edge but require expert skill to get there, some require Restoration techniques to get to the edge...

If they are on the list it is because a VERY experienced member here has actually tested them, and found one of these to be true....
We put them on the list to keep unsuspecting Newbs from buying them and never trying straight razor shaving again because of the frustration involved....

There is no sense arguing whether or not that razor will ever take an edge unless somebody that actually knows what they are doing on a set of stones tries it or has tried it...

I honestly have never tried with a Tomahawk razor...

Tomahawk razor in fact is a crap.
it will not take edge . you can put edge by taping 5 layers of tape and honing.
you may be get lucky.

MickR Sorry to say You may not tried bad blades yet but in fact what people says is true.
OP check classified you may find something better could be free too.
have fun.

Thank you Sham

There ya go, somebody that knows how to hone, and has actually tried one of these....

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Originally Posted by boogyman19946

Why does that mean it's not viable to use for shaving? Essentially, buying a better razor is something I'm going to do, but then I would like to keep this one to practice sharpening on or whatever other stuff there is before I get down to business with the better razor.

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If the steel isn't of the quality to take and hold an edge required for shaving, if you use it for honing practice, how would you know if you have succeeded in your honing attempts or failed? Now if you want to use that razor to practice your stropping, I say go for it, but shaving is not what it'll do.

As far as comparing Japanese steel to Chinese or Pakistani steel is an injustice to Japanese steel. I think that the Chinese have the capability to create a real and usable razor, but the folks who contract these blades specify that the blade must come in at a certain price and the Chinese and Pakistanis comply. If that same company made specifications that each razor must have certain criteria and money expended per each razor was more, then yes, they could probably come up with a usable razor. Look at it this way, Solingen and Sheffield were creating Western styled razors hundreds of years ahead of the Chinese, so they have quite a bit of trial and error to catch up.

Hmm, thanks guys for the replies!

At this point, I believe I'm going to buy a better straight first, a one that is shave ready. I'll keep the cheap razor and try giving it a nice edge and consider it practice so even if I don't succeed, I'll have a working razor on the side and by then only have ruined a cheap 10 dollar one.

Good man. Don't let anything set you back mate.


Mick

OP contact me i will give to you shave ready blade.
you pay for shipping.
if this works for you let me know.

boogyman19946, iv heard about shams edges and anything he hones is truly sharp. Glad to see a member close to my age on here. thats one thing about srp almost everybody is willing to help someone new start out.

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Originally Posted by Deerhunter1995

boogyman19946, iv heard about shams edges and anything he hones is truly sharp. Glad to see a member close to my age on here. thats one thing about srp almost everybody is willing to help someone new start out.

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That is a great thing about a lot of forum sites (some are more civilized than others, but I guess that's just the nature of some groups of people), and I am sure this one is exactly one of those :D I've got plenty of fine responses of different varieties. I understand a lot of this is just opinion, but the bottom line seems to come down to one's understanding and experience. Mastering an art is so much fun ^.^

Drop hi_bud_gl (Sham) a line mate. He's serious about giving you a razor for the cost of postage. A man with as big a heart and generosity than him I have seen but twice before in my forty years.

You're a good man Sham. The world is a better place for your being here.


Mick