Thread: Sound advice for newbies

I'm glad I started learning early. Now after 2 years I feel like I understand most of the concepts and have a little skill. I can hone a razor to a level of sharpness that I, and probably only I, can enjoy. But, based on the time it took me to learn what I know now, I'd say start learning as soon as possible. Not to produce a good shave, but to learn the skill. Eventually, you'll get it and want to hone your own. I only now feel, after 2 years, like I really understand what I'm doing. Now most guys get it quicker than I did, but, its not quite as simple as it looks.

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

I think if one reads Joe Lerch's posts and possibly AF Davis' you can see how a person progresses through many thoughts on honing as he learns. Suggestions arev just that.....something to get you started. Practice will help you develop your own path.



Tony

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 garythepenman

20 laps on a 6000 waterstone, 20 each on 1 and 0.5 micron pasted paddle strop and then 50 passes on leather hanging strop. Great shave.

That's great to hear. I've never worked with a 6000 stone, but always imagined that it would be a good tool used much as you describe. Thanks for sharing that.

X

I used a kind of "double strategy":

I had at first two DOVO's and stropped them with the green paste (=8000 grid) really sharp. Afterwards just stropping with the leather held them sharp for month. Stropping is frequently underestimated, it lasts longer than honing but you are getting real good results - with enough patience ...

Besides that I but a bunch of really old razor at ebay and "restored" them, meaning sanding the blade and try to hone afterwards. (B.t.w. the first razor was broken in two pieces while trying to sand it ... I had not yet the superb CD of Bill Ellis ...

Up to now I restored about 20 str8s and made 12 of them really shaveready, so they can do daily service ...

Arnd

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.

I can definately see the reason and benefit behind getting a razor sharpened professionally. As a matter of fact I will likely be doing that soon enough. In the meantime I am practicing on the hone.

However, after reading some of the information in the Archives it would seem that I might need a 1K hone to recreate the edge on my razor and then finish it up on the 4k/8k Norton - and strop prior to shaving. Keep in mind I am referring back to the portion of Barber's books posted in the Archives describing the use of hones.

Besides, I can pickup a Dovo 5/8 for about $56 and have it sent to Lynn (I believe I read that he handles that service for Classicshaving.com).

Anyway, I am already enjoying myself and I haven't even gotten past the Feather!