First straightrazor

**VagrantSalt** · 02-17-2012, 02:51 AM

Hello all,

This is my first post on the forum. I'm in the US Navy stationed overseas currently and within the past few months have been trying to take on the challenge of learning how to shave with a straightrazor. I was hoping I could get some advice as well. I've been practicing for around 3 months now and can't seem to get much of an improvement at all. I have read a few guides and purchased the essentials but just see no improvement. I feel like my razor isnt at the sharpness it should be. I've seen a lot of references to the single hair between the thumb and finger for testing sharpness but I can't seem to achieve that level of sharpness no matter what. I use my norton 4000/8000 for my razor. I have other stones but am afraid they are too coarse. I was hoping for some general pointers. I realize it takes time to get good with a straightrazor, I just want to be sure I have everything else right. What is a good sharpening technique without overhoning? Is the test I mentioned an accurate way of testing? I'd appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks for reading.

**jbtusa** · 02-17-2012, 03:00 AM

Go to the "Honing" forum topic, "Infamous/Famous Norton 4/8K" thread, and there are 52 pages of comments specific to using the Norton 4/8K stone. I just started myself with a new Norton 4/8K. Go slow and don't put any pressure on the blade and eventually you'll get a decent edge. Incidentally, the consensus on the "Honing" thread is that the Norton will produce a perfectly good finished edge.

**Blix** · 02-17-2012, 03:05 AM

Check out the JaNorton 2012 thread for sure, and watch the videos from Lynn and gssixgun closely.

What kind of razor do you have btw? Sounds like you didn't buy something shaveready

And welcome to SRP!

**Lynn** · 02-17-2012, 03:05 AM

Welcome!

Try this:

Norton Honing Circles 1.wmv - YouTube

**sleekandsmooth** · 02-17-2012, 03:41 AM

that video is awesome....I love the help on this forum....I hope this video will help you
welcome to srp!

**pinklather** · 02-17-2012, 04:09 AM

Salty, I tried to learn to hone and shave at the same time also. It didn't go that well for me. I don't know what would be involved in getting mail to and from your station, but would be happy to hone. 'Just cover the return postage. One way for me to say 'thank you for your service'.

**dcrls145** · 02-17-2012, 09:27 AM

Welcome buddy! My advice would be for you to get your razor honed by a professional (Lynn comes to mind!) and concentrate on your shaving technique because while you learn to strop and hone the chances are that you are going to flatten the edge of your razor rather than sharpening.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

**mcgyver74** · 02-17-2012, 01:41 PM

Welcome to the addiction

There are 2 things IMHO you need for a good SR Shave,
1) A Shave Ready Razor
2) Proper Technique

I'll second the recommendation that you get it honed by a pro at least once, that way you know what a truly "Shave ready" razor feels like. It would tell you if the issue is your razor or you (At this point it's likely a combination of both)

Also keep in mind that it takes time to get proficient with a straight, some learn faster then others but it is a learned skill. The good news is that it doesn't matter how long it takes since the fun/joy of shaving with a straight razor is all about the journey, not the destination

Good luck!!!

**Snake** · 02-17-2012, 07:10 PM

Welcome aboard, you've come to the right place for friendly useful advise when it comes to straight razor and all things related.

I've nothing to add ot the advise already given, except... I think it's a worthwile expense and endeavor to send your razor out to one of the many members/vendors to have it honed. That way you have two good things; a properly honed razor and with that the proper tool to perfect your technique. In the beginnng we all have problems with form and, naturally, we tend to blame the blade for our shortcomings.

I feel, as many do, that trying to learn to hone while learning to use a blade properly introduces one too many variables in the mix and won't produce any repeateble results, either on your face or on your blade. It's not impossible, and I'm not saying it can't be done; all I'm saying is that it's easier to learn to shave first and hone afterwards.

Best of luck,

Marcos

**VagrantSalt** · 02-18-2012, 03:23 AM

Thanks to all for the advice. I think I'm going to go with the general recommendation to get the blade honed professionally first so I can focus on technique. I know technique alone will take time to develop and I'd like know what I'm working towards when honing as well. The razor I have is a Solingen Bismarck. My girlfriend actually gifted it to me after I had mentioned wanting to learn. She was told it was a good razor to start learning with. Thanks again for all of the advice, I appreciate you guys taking the time to post.

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