Thread: My new tools and a hello

Hey, I'm John and I'm pretty fresh to straight razors as I am still a youngster-ish (16). Just wanting some tips on how to take care of my tools here which I got as a gift from my brother (vvti713 or Elton as some of you may know). Am I allowed to use towels to dry them and such? How often should I hone the blade? Just general questions. Oh, and any opinions on what I got for a first straight razor

Welcome to SRP!
yes use the towels to dry things, by all means. as for the set up he did you right proud. there are lots of tips and tricks in the beginner section to get you going. honing is something that should not be done unless the blade is dull so let Elton worry about it for you that's what older brother's are for.

enjoy,
jim

Very nice set-up indeed.
I give my blade a quick dry on the towel then after I have finished my post shave routine I use TP to dry the blade a final time and between the scales and around the tang. I find tp can be squished flat enough to get into the tighter spots and seems to absorb any remaining moisture.

If the blade is not being used for a few days or more I will give it a quick strop and then a few drops of oil to make sure to keep rust a bay while it sits

Welcome John. Your brother is the best help you are gonna get. Hands on. Tell him Tom said so!

looks like a great starter kit welcome to SRP!!!

Thanks for the feedback guys

Welcome to SRP, looks like you have a good brother giving you that nice setup. Good luck on your new journey.

Don't think hones for now. Think "Strop til you Drop". You are fortunate to have such a brother and likely your best tutor.

Hi, welcome, looks like a cool setup.
I dry the razor with a towel, but being careful of the edge.
I then strop 10/10 (canvas, leather) then wipe the blade with eucalyptus oil, taking care to get some around the pivot.
Sometimes I dip the pivot end of the razor in the bottle of oil and work the pivot back and forth a little.
I like some patina on some of my razors, but hate to see rust or dirt or marks on the inside of the scales.

16 great age to start SR shaving, I'm started in 22 and regret that I was to old and already had thick and dense stubble.
Looks like you have good starting kit, but I can't see strop on the picture, I think you will need it more then hone for the first time. Also I recommend you to make/purchase brush stand to hold down the bristles, it will prolong the life of the brush