Thread: My first straight razor

I just received my first straight razor in the mail today. It is a vintage Kropp that i purchased on an online auction site. I have attached a some pictures!












It came with what appears to be an original cardboard case which smells of oil. There is a fair bit of pitting and what looks like tarnish on the blade. I plan to buff it up using a dremel with felt pads and some of my car polish (lol). I will post some pictures when i do.

The seller said it was honed to shave ready state, and it doesn't seem to have any problems popping arm hair. I tried the HHT test though and it wouldn't cut through the hair, instead just pushing the hair (a long hair at that) out of the way. That concerns me a little.

I will have a crack at shaving my sideburns with it tonight. I will make a video... hopefully there won't be any need to call an ambulance.

Anyways, i really look forward to the experience. This razor will be the first of many, i'm sure

Don't worry too much about the HHT. It works for some people and doesn't work for others. There are a few threads which discuss the HHT if you do a quick search of the forum that will tell you all about it.

Good luck shaving! Remember to keep at it!

+1 to what Teemus has said.

There are a lot of factors that come into play with the HHT. Some will also agree that it is a good test, but when it's used by the person who's actually honed the razor.

I know that if I use my girlfriends hair when I'm honing, and the razor passes the HHT, I'm in the ballpark for a shave test. But if I use someone else's hair, then the knowledge behind the test needs to be recalibrated.

Give it a shave. If it's sharp and smooth, call it a day.

Keep us posted.
Maxi

I just had my first straight razor shave using the above razor. WOW what an experience! The plan was to shave my sideburns then switch over to my DE, but after completing the sides without drawing any blood i decided to see how much further i could go. I managed my sides and most of my chin before the razor began tugging on the whiskers, so i finished up with the DE. Pretty damn happy with my first attempt! I just know i am going to love straight razor shaving!

I wouldn't worry too much about the tarnish. It looks plenty good the way it is. That Dremel can actually harm the temper of the edge if you aren't careful.

I did have at it with the dremel for a while but it didn't have much of an effect. No big deal though, this is only a starter razor for me. I'll get something nice later on

I made a video of the shave and have uploaded it for anyone interested in watching me fumble my way through my first straight shave

YouTube - 00004.m4v