Thread: I'm New, and have a few simple questions.

Alright, I'm *relatively new* to wet shaving. I switched from Gillette Fusion "Garbage" blades, to a Merkur 34c DE. AMAZINGLY better then I though possible. I switched because of being 31 and having enough ingrown hairs to look like a teen again, and not in a youthful good way.

I have got the hang of it, and get better shaves then ever before, however my ultimate goal is straight blades. I have been lurking around this forum and one other that talk heavily about this sort of thing. After watching many videos and reading posts I have decided to take the plunge so to speak. So without further ado here is the question...

Q) I have decided based on research that Pre-Sharpened DOVO Prima Klang Extra Hollow Ground Singing Razor, Kingwood Scales | Fendrihan Shaving Store is the razor I wish to start with. Yes *part* is aesthetically based" the second being the 'Extra Hollow' part coupled with Dovo's reputation.

The question... After watching Honing videos of all sorts I notice the spine sits flat against the stone. That being said, the fancy gold leaf embroidery goes seemingly close to the outer edge of the spine. When Honing, would this be scratched off? Gold Leaf is not that tough, or is there something in the image I'm missing? Perhaps a hump on the outer edge? I know some people tape during the process, but that too would rip off the gold leaf as well.

I know this question may sound stupid, but I am new, and have a lot more to learn, I guess that's why I'm here.

Anyways thanks in advance for any help you could offer. I know a lot of you have a LOT of experience in straight shaving. (Yes I know it's an expensive 'First Blade' but I can be vain at times and the aesthetics are amazing for me along with the extra hollow aspect.) Thank you all again. My ears are yours...

Welcome to SRP Kippo

A hone will take gold wash off the spine, but taping will not, in general. In fact, any abrasive material will take off gold wash - brasso, autosol, MAAS, metal polish of any kind, scouring pads: these are all bad things for gold wash. The best way to ensure you never have to use any of these things (hones excluded) is to make absolutely sure the razor is absolutely moisture and lather free after each and every use (usually by wiping well and carefully with a clean cloth and leaving the razor somewhere safe and moisture-free to dry).

When honing I always tape people's spines, goldwashed or not, and have never had an issue with it taking off material from the razor, unless there was something wrong with the razor to start with. I am talking basic plastic electrical tape here.

James.

Kippo,

I'm also relatively new to straight razor shaving (about six months). The only thought I have to share is that perhaps you should borrow an extra hollow ground razor to try before you purchase one. I've heard/read guys' talking about how sometimes tough whiskers won't yield to the extra hollow blades; men with tough beards sometimes find that half-hollows or even wedges give them a superior shave.

I don't have enough experience yet to give you any firsthand insight, but I thought I'd mention what I've heard. (Can anyone else on SRP either affirm or debunk this?)

Cheers!

Well, I'd be in the debunk camp on that one. Proper technique with a decent razor will cut through any type of whisker you care to name, regardless of grind. Grind is a purely personal preference, not a necessity, IMO.

James.

Welcome from a fellow Torontonian. We are already planning the next Toronto area get-together for straight shavers, so if you are in, we can help you there. I had one of my razors honed there by a local honemeister (Maxi here on the forums) and it was well worth it. You might want to contact him to hone your first blade. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed and he will not screw up your gold wash.

Wow?!?! Toronto has its own 'shave meets'? Heck, I guess I ain't troll around enough. I am horridly shy as a person, but for this... Ya count me in. Again I have not bought the blade *yet* Still in the 'Pre-Learning phase' I guess. But this is right up my ally. Thanks a million JDTO. I feel accepted already in this community. (And it's past midnight with all these responses.) Wow! You guys are great!

Thank you again Jimbo, my *experience* with 'gold leaf' is based on other crafts... Not metal on metal... Though I will ask, how does tape hold up against a stone? If it carves off metal, why not tape? Sorry if I sound really newbie, I am!

Originally Posted by csrund

Kippo,

I'm also relatively new to straight razor shaving (about six months). The only thought I have to share is that perhaps you should borrow an extra hollow ground razor to try before you purchase one. I've heard/read guys' talking about how sometimes tough whiskers won't yield to the extra hollow blades; men with tough beards sometimes find that half-hollows or even wedges give them a superior shave.

I don't have enough experience yet to give you any firsthand insight, but I thought I'd mention what I've heard. (Can anyone else on SRP either affirm or debunk this?)

Cheers!

We all learn together don't we? No one is born an expert. Thanks for the reply as well. ^_^ This really helps me.

PS: I don't know anyone that straight shaves, so I wish I could 'borrow', but from who? Thanks again.

Kippo, they all seem nice and accepting at first, but before you know it you are spending all your money for your daily hit of shaving gear, beware of the AD's!

Good advice above!! +1, however there's another angle to this razor. I bought, very early into straights, a Boker Extra Hollow, beautiful razor, no gold wash, honed by SRD and shave ready, right up until I got it. Recommend you strop before first shave. Well, I stropped it on a 3 inch Buffalo Strop. Having come from fine art wood carving, I stropped it like it was an African jungle machete. Full or Extra Hollows are very, very, very thin at the edge and before. They will distort at the slightest touch of a fingernail on the side of them. Not realizing this I shaved with it after I stropped it, or more accurately I shaved at it. Terrible!! Pulled, wouldn't cut, hung up on the whiskers, nicks. Boy!, am I glad I bought this. Honing and stropping take a very light to no extra pressure touch with this razor, especially. Point-If you're not at least basically skilled in stropping, which you will have to do daily, it might be better to get a quarter or half ground razor for your first and learn your technique on something a little more forgiving, then get the full or extra hollow as your second. Truth is, the Boker is now my favorite razor, but only after learning how delicate it is. This was rather long, but I hope it will help to make your emergence into straights a little less stressful and much more fun. Enjoy the ride!!!

Howard