Thread: Here's what I have

Hello, this is my first post. I enjoy reading the posts in here, I've been reading a lot and learning new things. 3 years ago I was given a 5"8 Edwin Jagger razor as a gift; OK, I thought, let's test.

A month later as I was starting to get the feel of straight razor shaving my poor razor got worse and worse. I didn't know what stropping was, neither did I know that my razor had never been honed, nor what honing was.

After I stumbled upon these (and other, no need for flattering) forums I realized i did it ALL wrong, and that's why my razor project failed miserably.

Here what I already had in addition to some things I've bought recently:
- 5"8 Edwin Jagger razor
- Spyderco ultra fine 3x8
- Silver tip shaving brush
- Red latigo strop with D-rings
- Neatsfoot oilstrop conditioner
- Lighthouse Bay Rum shaving soap
- Razor stand

OBVIOUSLY, my first priority is to hone the #%& of my abused razor.
Will I be able to do so solely with Spyderco UF, and how much time should I devote to this, amount of strokes etc.?

Secondly, Is neatsfoot oilstrop OK to use on red latigo strop, if so, how often, and, yes, how?

Third, am I missing anything else? Should I just buy a new razor?
Yell it out, please!

- Sina

I would say that the spyderco will not bring your razor to shave ready, but I have not checked your razor's edge. I would check the classifieds here for member services and send your razor off to be professionally honed. I personally don't like the spyderco UF as a razor hone. Many have used it though.
What strop did you get?
I wouldn't apply neatsfoot oil to a strop with any regularity. If you rub your strop with your palm on a daily basis and dont let it get dry it should be fine.
If your strop does dry out I would only apply the neetsfoot oil VERY light and from the back rubbing your palm across it. If you let it pool it will absorb unevenly and remember that it is VERY difficult to remove.

Most importantly: WELCOME!
Enjoy your time here.

Welcome aboard Sina to SRP. I don't think the Syperco UF will able to hone your razor, plus if you still new to this, learning how to hone and shave at the same time is quite a task add to that proper stropping technique. My advice would be to send your razor out to be honed. Check the classifieds here under "Member Services" there are members who offer honing at reasonable rates and some may even be on your side of the pond. I also don't think you necessarily need to use neatsfoot oil on the strop as I have a red latigo strop as well and just rub it with the palm of my hand each day, the natural oils on your hand should be enough for it. As for missing anything else, grab a cup of coffee or a cold beer, depending on the time of day, and read the WIKI, FAQS, and the Beginners Section. Then read some more. Post questions as they arise if you can't find answers. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

P.S. You always need another razor +1.

Thank you both. And thanks to impatience for wasting money on a useless stone. Classifieds next!