Thread: Sound advice for newbies

I'm getting a razor from Randy, and I'm currently honing deficient.
I'm looking at a 4 sided paddle from Tony. .25, .5, and 1 micron paste on three of the sides, then an ordinary daily strop on the fourth side. Are the three paste sides for touch-up?
I guess my understanding is that you hone a blade rarely, like once or twice a year, touch up every couple of weeks with pasted strops, then use a standard strop on a daily basis. Am I off?

Mike

Mike, That sounds about right. Although you will find it depends upon the razor each is different.

Originally Posted by TMike

I guess my understanding is that you hone a blade rarely, like once or twice a year, touch up every couple of weeks with pasted strops, then use a standard strop on a daily basis.

That should work pretty nicely actually. Each gentleman is unique as is each razor so you might find some alteration as time goes by, but it sound sound() as a starting point.

X

Upon clarman's request I shipped my razor to Lynn via ClassicShaving.com, still waiting to get it back which hopefully will be sometime next week. I did shave with it before just to get a feel for the razor and new right away that I needed to send it out to get honed. I look forward to shaving with the razor when I get it back. Everyone speaks very highly of Lynn's ability to hone a straight so I know I will not be disappointed.

Originally Posted by clarman

I am also seeing some very new and inexperienced shavers chimeing in with their opinions and advice...while their intentions are honorable and they want to help, their opinions and advise may be flawed... you are better off getting advise from experienced shavers...patience...

I guess I'm probably one of the people that Charlie is talking about in regard to new shavers offering advice. I take no offense to that, as it's just my nature to learn something as quickly as I can, and then relay what I've learned from my experiences. I don't want to misrepresent my knowledge level, nor do I want to misinform anyone with my advice.

I think that we shoud all be adult enough, and have a thick enough skin, to be able to take a little constructive criticism without being offended. I'm one of those people that can admit that I'm wrong, and learn from someone who can point me in the right direction.

If I write anything on these forums that isn't correct, I hope that you gentlemen will be bold enough to point out the error of my ways, and help me (and anyone else who reads the posts) learn how to do things in a better way, or to get my facts straight.

Originally Posted by canerunner

If I write anything on these forums that isn't correct, I hope that you gentlemen will be bold enough to point out the error of my ways, and help me (and anyone else who reads the posts) learn how to do things in a better way, or to get my facts straight.

Oh, don't worry about that! We're watching you guys and reviewing every post. :-)

This has been a lot of help. I have been using a DE for a while and have been very interested in switching to a str8 (I have great memories of watching my grandfather using one). Like many newbs I bought a couple of razors off eBay (a Faultless and a Leader which I really like). I have been using the Faultless to practice my honing - did manage to buy a Norton 4/8.

I have been using a Feather to practice with and have gotten pretty good, but still need the practice. I have really been wanting to use the Leader but have been frustrated that its not in shape to shave with. Now, having read a lot more of the postings, I understand that it will require a good bit of work; a lot more than I would have previously thought.

The downloads have been a great help (having just discovered them) and I refer to them quite often.

Truthfully, I am happy about the extra work it will require as I enjoy the honing process; my wife likes it because it keeps me quiet as I concentrate on the technique.

Anyway, I really want to let everyone know I think the Forum is great and while I have not learned enough I DO continue to learn!

Thanks for saying 'hi'. If I might recomend, you should consider getting a shave ready razor from a honemeister at some point. Either send one of yours out to be honed, buy one, trade for it or borrow it. This is just to set the bench mark for yourself so you know what to shoot for. Until you do you will remain at least a little in the dark and trust me, you want to see the light.

X

Yes. I'd second that. Received my Imperial from Lynn the other day and what I THOUGHT were sharp razors, I discovered quickly need a LOT more work! It's great to have this one to compare.