Thread: Practice razors

I was wondering, does anyone recommend using a practice razor?

What do you mean by practice razor?
Like a dummy razor for practicing stropping or like a cheap razor for practicing honing, or something else?

Its pretty much, an unsharpened blade.

It is common practice for newbies to the honing process to get a cheap razor and a set of hones and practice with it.
If you want to get one please make sure it is in decent condition, you do not want to start with fixing frowns or huge chips or getting a blade with devils spit that looks like swiss cheese.

If they come from a website marketing them as "practice razors" for honing - do a search on the brand name.
If it's what I'm thinking of - it's a blade that's on our "do not buy" list...
Why would you want to pay $15 for a blade that can't take a shaving edge?
You won't learn anything about honing other than what it's like to be frustrated.

Originally Posted by Kenetix2007

I was wondering, does anyone recommend using a practice razor?

Mostly not.... at least not a dull one.

An inexpensive razor, and inexpensive strop sure.
Inexpensive but not low quality.

A better strategy is: embrace slow and smooth.

I think I know what you asking about. I have a razor on one side of the tang it's marked practice razor,Made in Solingen Germany and on the other side it says international Cutlery Co. The Blade is 5/8 square point it is not sharp there is no bevel. From what I understand is these were used in Barber Schools. These were used before they moved on to a sharp razor. If this is what you have use it until you are ready if thats what you want to do or just go for it. I have never used the one I have I don't remember where it came Fromm

The blade can be honed professionally and turned into a usable razor. I would imagine that the purpose of the razor is to get used to stropping on a dull razor to capture technique.

I'm always grateful for the advice.

Originally Posted by Kenetix2007

The blade can be honed professionally and turned into a usable razor. I would imagine that the purpose of the razor is to get used to stropping on a dull razor to capture technique.

I'm always grateful for the advice.

I saw one of these on auction recently. I wouldnt expect to be able to sharpen it, if I were buying one. Seems like it was meant for practice shaves

Michael

Originally Posted by Kenetix2007

The blade can be honed professionally and turned into a usable razor. I would imagine that the purpose of the razor is to get used to stropping on a dull razor to capture technique.

I'm always grateful for the advice.

It's not the GB Buckingham & Sons that I saw marketed as a practice razor then...
That being the case, it's not a bad idea to start with something new.
Good luck!