DE Wet Shaver making the transition.....About to order my first Razor/Strop Set

Hello,

Have been doing quite a bit of reading here on the forum and weighing my options for my first straight razor. Just about to order up my first Razor/Strop set from SRD. Just have a few last minute questions. I know you guys recommend getting a cheap starter kit from whippeddog.com or the classified to get started, but with how much I have enjoyed wet shaving with a safety razor since switching from cartridge razors, I cannot imagine that I will not love straight shaving just as much. So I figure I might as well cut to the chase and get a decent razor/strop to start. I don't mind paying for quality equipment if it preforms and lasts (and looks good). I will also be getting the DVD with the set and watching it repeatedly before giving this a go.

I am looking at either the Dovo Silver Steel 5/8 or the Dovo Spike Point 5/8 (pics borrowed from SRD), so here are my questions:

http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...spikepoint.jpghttp://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/...ilversteel.jpg

1. I don't plan on getting into honing right away. From what I have read, stropping pre/post shave will keep the edge for a fair amount of time and I usually only shave 2 times per week. So is it safe to assume that I will be ok shaving with the straight until it needs to be honed again and then just sending the blade back to them and using my DE razor in the mean time wouldn't be too much of a problem?

2. Between my two choices of razors, does the square point have any advantages/disadvantages vs the rounded point? I find the Spike Point better looking, but would probably prefer performance vs aesthetics for a first razor.

3. Are my two blade selections decent? or is there a better option for around $200?

4. Is there an advantage to stainless steel blades over carbon? I understand there is less maintenance for stainless because you don't have to oil the blade. But will the stainless hold an edge longer and go longer times between honing?

5. For the strop, I would also assume the extra $15 for their 3" strop vs the 2" strop would be worth it. Also regarding the strop, what are the back strop variations for? (standard matched webbing, premium fabric and wool felt) Is this something I should be worried about at this point?

6. What do I need to take care of a blade besides oil (assuming I get a carbon blade)?

Any feedback would be much appreciated before pulling the trigger.

Thanks,
Ryan

I'll try to answer your questions in order....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cochese2323

1. I don't plan on getting into honing right away. From what I have read, stropping pre/post shave will keep the edge for a fair amount of time and I usually only shave 2 times per week. So is it safe to assume that I will be ok shaving with the straight until it needs to be honed again and then just sending the blade back to them and using my DE razor in the mean time wouldn't be too much of a problem?

You should be okay as long as you are careful with your blade and your stropping. Just be aware that many a newb has prematurely dulled their blade, so if you have to get it rehoned you will definitely not be the first.

2. Between my two choices of razors, does the square point have any advantages/disadvantages vs the rounded point? I find the Spike Point better looking, but would probably prefer performance vs aesthetics for a first razor.

Many feel that a round point is better for beginners, but I don't necessarily agree with that. I started with a spike and survived. A little more caution is required, that's all.

3. Are my two blade selections decent? or is there a better option for around $200?

Your selection is fine.

4. Is there an advantage to stainless steel blades over carbon? I understand there is less maintenance for stainless because you don't have to oil the blade. But will the stainless hold an edge longer and go longer times between honing?

Either is fine. The "less maintenance" thing is kind of a myth; you still have to make sure to dry your razor properly, and while they hold a good edge it's not miles above carbon steel. It comes down to personal preference.

5. For the strop, I would also assume the extra $15 for their 3" strop vs the 2" strop would be worth it. Also regarding the strop, what are the back strop variations for? (standard matched webbing, premium fabric and wool felt) Is this something I should be worried about at this point?

Go for the 3", it will make your life easier when starting out. For materials, wool felt is mostly used for pastes/sprays by folks around here. The webbed fabric and premium fabric would be better suited for daily material stropping. Which one you choose depends on your budget.

6. What do I need to take care of a blade besides oil (assuming I get a carbon blade)?

Make sure it is thouroughly dried before oiling and storing. Many of us strop after shaving as well. And don't ding it on the faucet. :)

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For the strop, what would be the advantage of the wool felt/pastes? Does it do anything different that normal stopping on the leather? Is it an alternative to honing? Sorry for the noob ignorance

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cochese2323

For the strop, what would be the advantage of the wool felt/pastes? Does it do anything different that normal stopping on the leather? Is it an alternative to honing? Sorry for the noob ignorance

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The pastes act as a "semi hone". They are abrasive and remove metal from the blade. I only use them in the honing process for additional "polishing" of the edge.

A nice leather strop with perhaps a linen second is fine. I have a microfiber cloth that I put mineral oil on and wipe the blade before putting it away. I use it also on the stainless, as stainless will also oxidize, just not as much so why not?

Good luck with your kit! Welcome to the Dark side!!

Just to elaborate on what Jeff was saying, pasted/sprayed strops are technically part of a honing process. They are considered very high grit compared to a stone, and can be used for the final edge polish or to "smooth out" an edge if it's a little harsh. They are also commonly used for an edge refresh (what we refer to as touch up); when the blade doesn't feel as keen as it should give it a few laps on a pasted strop and it will be back in shaving shape in short order.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

Just to elaborate on what Jeff was saying, pasted/sprayed strops are technically part of a honing process. They are considered very high grit compared to a stone, and can be used for the final edge polish or to "smooth out" an edge if it's a little harsh. They are also commonly used for an edge refresh (what we refer to as touch up); when the blade doesn't feel as keen as it should give it a few laps on a pasted strop and it will be back in shaving shape in short order.

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So would this be something that would extend the time between honing? I don't plan on getting into (at least not yet) so I was going to just send the razor to SRD when that time came.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cochese2323

So would this be something that would extend the time between honing? I don't plan on getting into (at least not yet) so I was going to just send the razor to SRD when that time came.

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Most definitely. You can keep your razor going with regular and occasional pasted stropping for a long time before having to use a hone. When my razors start to feel a little dull my general rule is to do 3 cycles of pasted stropping (only using paste when it needs it) before a hone refresh. It can be weeks or months between pasted touchups, so with 3 touch ups before using a stone it takes quite awhile to get to that point....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

Most definitely. You can keep your razor going with regular and occasional pasted stropping for a long time before having to use a hone. When my razors start to feel a little dull my general rule is to do 3 cycles of pasted stropping (only using paste when it needs it) before a hone refresh. It can be weeks or months between pasted touchups, so with 3 touch ups before using a stone it takes quite awhile to get to that point....

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So SRD's in house strops offer either the stock matched webbing, the "premium" fabric which is an extra $6 or wool felt for an extra $16. Which would be the best choice for this type of "touch up" stropping between honing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cochese2323

So SRD's in house strops offer either the stock matched webbing, the "premium" fabric which is an extra $6 or wool felt for an extra $16. Which would be the best choice for this type of "touch up" stropping between honing?

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Many members prefer the wool felt for diamond sprays, I'm not sure about chrome ox paste but it likely would work just fine.