I've been toying with the idea of using a straight razor for a month or so, and after finding this site and reading a LOT of information, I decided to give it a go!

I'm new, and my first razor is this F.W Engels. It's in very fine shape, and appears to have not been used much at all. I don't know what type it is, it's not a fancier model. It's straight, stays put when it's opened and I hope that after a 4000/8000 hone and stropping, it'll perform as well as the above-mentioned blades. Glad I picked it up! Anyone know when it was made?







The thing I looked for in FleaBay razors was for a straight edge, mainly, and one that hasn't been worked too much. I have a strop coming, and (most likely,) a poor quality razor from Beauty and Barber. I found out after committing to buy that they aren't recommended, so keeping that in mind, I'll still hone and strop it and try. Might get lucky.

I've also got a Norton 4/8k hone coming, and have read about lapping both sides. I hope not to have to buy a stone from Norton, and that if I do it properly with the right type of sandpaper I'll be OK.


I'm excited to give this a try, but won't dare to attempt a shave until I have properly honed and finished my "new to me" Engels.

Thanks for all of the excellent information!