A BIG thank you! Guys at SRP.
If you read my "Greeting from Dixie" post you know some about me.
I am retiring and want to lean barbering skills, the straight razor shave is a part of those skills.
I decided to teach myself how it is done and have been curious about the straight razor shave for many years. So, why not?
I purchased a straight razor, strop, mug and soap online at Amazon. The razor was not shave ready.
1st set back...
I can put a wicked edge on a knife, but had NO idea on the methods for a straight razor.
2nd set back...
I had no honing stones, and no idea about what I needed.
3rd set back...
Well, I started researching. Ran across SRP, delved into the forums and really started learning from guys that freely shared their knowledge and experiences. This really shortened my learning curve!
The razor I have was priced around $58.00 and would classify as as a good beginners razor.
I purchased (using my new found knowledge from here) a King 1000/6000 k lapping stone along with a 14000 Nanawa.
I began using my new lapping stones, the edge quickly appeared, but something was lacking. I went back to the forums. I learned that the stones themselves needed to be lapped before the first use.
I learned I could do it very cheap. I purchased a single flat marble tile from Lowe's, a pack of 60 grit sand paper along with packs of 400 and 600 grit papers.
It took about 30 minutes to lap my stones. I was blown away by how easy it was to do following the advice and knowledge I gained on here.
I took my razor and honed it again, in a matter of minutes I had an edge that was scary!
I had tried to shave with it two or three times, it tugged and pulled when I first got it. After I used the honing stones, it did OK on my cheeks but could not do anything from the jaw down...
After I lapped the stones and honed my razor... It shaved perfectly! In fact it did as well or better than my shavette style razor I had been using.
The stropping was really easy as well.
I wanted to thank you guys for sharing your knowledge and helping those of us that are noobs in the ways of straight razor shaving.
I have been at it for about a month, I have grown proficient enough to shave without nicking myself and getting an amazing shave.
Thank you again!
I hope to purchase a nice vintage razor soon. I would like one that has the fancy etchings and such. I AM HOOKED!
Scott :)
