Thread: Hello

So Im a new guy that is probably gonna get called stupid...But I am leaping into this with a little more gusto then I should probably. Just picked up a my first straight and its a henkel that looks a little rough around the edges. I plan on doin a little refurb on it to get it shave ready. Not worried about value or any collector type stuff I have just always loved the idea of using a straight. I am enamered with them for some reason. Well cant wait to write in and let you know my first mistake when the process starts. Thanks for all the info!

neosporin helps cuts heal faster

If it is your first razor then you should send it off and have it honed after you get it cleaned up. This way you will know what a properly honed edge should be. It will just save your face a lot of pain in the end!!! Welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy your new adventure

Originally Posted by sbrouwers

It will just save your face a lot of pain in the end!!!

Big +1. Unless you have the necessary skillset to hone your razor (and knowing how to sharpen a knife doesn't produce the edge you can shave with), it's best to send it out to someone who does have those skills. It's an investment that will reap great rewards.

Also, you will not get caught in a loop of trying to figure out why the shave seems unsatisfactory. Is it an improper edge, or shave technique? We aren't trying to tell you what to do, but there's a pretty good body of experience here.

And by the way, a great hello. Welcome to the right way to shave. It's much more satisfying. And produces a better shave. I never, ever, got a shave as nice with the multi-blade things...

I believe I will either send it out or buy a shave ready razor from someone reputable. I am a diy kinda guy but also have no basis so it needs to be established before I hurt myself.

Originally Posted by overrev

I believe I will either send it out or buy a shave ready razor from someone reputable. I am a diy kinda guy but also have no basis so it needs to be established before I hurt myself.

A wise attitude and one that, had I known about when I started (prior to discovering this place) would have accelerated me up the learning curve by at least two months. Welcome and good luck.

+1 on everything said here, and you are wise in your decision to buy a new or prehoned razor it will make your first shave more enjoyable. Have fun and be careful go slow and read the wiki on shaving how to. And welcome to SRP

Just picked up a my first straight and its a henkel that looks a little rough around the edges.

If you can see -- naked eye -- that it's "rough around the edges", you have quite a bit of work ahead of you.

I just finished setting the bevel on a Henckel that looked "a little rough" -- it took over an hour on 600/1000 grit sandpaper. But I work slowly.

Charles

I guess I should have clarified what the true condition of the razor was. It appears to have some shallow rust stains on it, the cutting edge has no visible chips though. Of course that doesnt mean hours of honing wont be necessary and that is where a master comes in