Thread: My First Razor

I'm a newb myself, but am in the finishing process of my first restore, and have been using straights for about a month and a half now with three different razors (all of which I honed myself), and my byrd Crossbill.


Have you read the wiki yet?

If not, then that is where you should start. There is a article just for people with your questions, giving guidance and understanding. That said, the simple answer to your question is, "First razor for what?"

If you want to shave with it, it's going to require a restore, and honing by someone who can make it shave ready.

If you want to restore it, then that's a different story.

It definitely isn't going to be shave ready, and even if the edge was, the blade has a lot of rust on it.

That said, it does have some qualities to look for in a first straight that are mentioned in the wiki.

• That blade is US made. From my reading on these forums, US made steel seems to have garnered a reputation of being a little on the hard side.
• It's a round point.
• The blade "appears" to be close to 5/8" (This is iffy, because I'm only gauging by the pic, so can't be sure).

ETA:
It is normally suggested to buy a first straight from one of the reputable sellers in the classifieds listed here, and to get one that is shave ready.

If your just buying to tinker, have at it. However, if your looking for a ready shaver, then learn to walk before you run. Best to read the beginners section of the wiki. It says it better than I.