Thread: What did I get myself into?!?

I find myself asking this question after ordering a starter set from Vintage Blades. The SR comes in the mail tomorrow and I have more questions than answers and could sure use some help.

If these are on the site, feel free to point the new guy to that area. I also got the World of SR shaving DVD so that may have some of this information on it as well.

1. To strop or not to strop, that is the question: the SR comes shave ready - should I strop the first time? I'm assuming that I should strop regardless after the first time.
2. Storage: How do I maintain this thing? I'm in Houston so humidity is definitely a problem. I've seen some references from placing a few drops of oil on the blade to just drying it off - any suggestions?
3. After shave treatments: any suggestions? I have a normal/sensitive face when it comes to shaving ATG even with a cartridges and I get some abrasion and ingrown hairs.

Any information or points in the right direction will be very much appreciated.

I'm an engineer/project manager so naturally, I'm looking for a flow chart and checklist - one of the hazards of the job!

Thanks in advance,

Rob

strop=aligns the edge
synthetic hone=1k for edge setting..5k/10k..15k progression helps
DMT1200 diamond plate=edge setting also
Coticule natural stone=Belgium stone for sharpening edge/polishing/setting an edge (takes more time) at the same time

If it's coming shave ready, you shouldn't need to strop first. I would give it ten laps on linen and ten on leather after to make sure the edge is dry. If it's an every day razor I wouldn't use the oil, just dry and store it outside of the bathroom

Lynn's dvd will answer most of your questions. 1. No, don't strop the first time. I strop 40x after each shave & wipe the blade with a mineral oil saturated piece of t-shirt material that's about 6x6. I strop 60x before every blade. 2. Just wipe with mineral oil & it should be fine. 3. After i rinse my face with cold water, I rub a alum block over my entire face, followed by an alcohol based aftershave like Pinaud (the bottle I am on right now anyways).

There is no checklist, just suggestions on how something works for each of us. Your face is different than mine. Have faith, Lynn's dvd will get you thru...

Just an opinion.
1)
a. Do not strop: Shave part of the cheek (or one cheek).
b. Strop lightly: Shave other part of the cheek (or other cheek).
2) Go to a local drug store and by a bottle of mineral oil. After a shave, dry it, then put a tiny dab of oil and rub it on the blade.

Good luck!

Stropping is skill. Don't practice on a SRD razor just yet. Watch a video or two or three you before your second shave attempt you can carefully slowly strop the razor. You can easily dub the edge with improper stropping but SRD includes a second honing with new razors. If you use it on your cheek before you strop it you will have some idea of how sharp "shave ready" really can be.

I have problems when it comes to moisture and storing my razors. I got fed up of applying oil after every use to try and prevent rust. My solution is a plastic air tight container with about 15-20 silica gel packs that you find in shoe boxes. Doesn't look great but if you dry your razor before you put it back the silica packs should dry up the remaining moisture. They are readily available on eBay.

Just ordered one of these.

Alembic Products

He is a member here but seems better than glass jar

You might wanna buy a stainless steel razor if humidity is a problem.

Here is a handy flowchart for shaving with a straight razor:



Enjoy