Hello Fellow Straight Razor Shavers!

My name is Taylor and I just started using a straight razor (albeit a disposable one to see if I actually liked it) two days ago and have already ordered 6/8" Sheffield Hollow Ground Straight Razor Taylor Witness."The 1000" off of ebay. I know it will definitely need to be professionally honed and worked over a bit (there is some minor chipping on the blade itself but very very minor). I only paid 30 shipped so I figured it was a steel.
I am already looking to find another razor (so I can keep a rotation and in case this razor isn't salvageable) but don't really know where to start. So I came the best place I could find, which is here! If you have any information or tips for me I would greatly appreciate them.

Also I do not own any strops or stones so advice on which to buy and where to buy them would be great!

Cheers,

- Taylor

Welcome to the site. Yes, be sure to get the first razor you will use professionally honed as then you will know what a truly sharp razor is supposed to feel like.
If your looking for a second razor look in the classifieds on this site. All will be sold honed unless otherwise stated.
Good luck on your new adventure.

Greetings, Taylor, and welcome to SRP! I have to say that I love your enthusiasm.
For another razor, check the SRP Classifieds. Avoid eBay for the time being until you have more experience with straights.
Strops: head on over to whippeddog.com and look for their "poorboy" strop. Costs about $15 U.S. as I recall. Another strop they sell that is good for rookies is a 3-inch wide combo leather-linen strop. I think it's called the English or Bridle strop. IIRC, it runs about $30. This is the one I suggest for you. It's relatively inexpensive to replace as you WILL bend/punch/fold/staple/spindle/mutilate/amputate/decapitate your first strop. If you do, DON'T PANIC! It happens to everyone from time to time. Heck, I nicked mine 2 weeks ago, and SWMBO still won't let me live it down!
Hones: the standard hone used here is the Norton 4000/8000 combination water stone. Again, look in the SRP classifieds. Alternatively, look on eBay for one. You'll find they run from $80~$100 depending on the seller.
Sorry for being so long-winded. See you in the trenches, buddy!

Welcome to SRP. KISS principle works well for all things straight shaving. Don't even think about stones first up as you won't need them immediately unless you damage the razor & even then it's best to rely on someone else at first for any repairs. Take your time to research.

It may be ok to buy a barber hone or high grit finisher or even a Norton 4/8k but remember all faults you have on a strop will be magnified 10x on a stone.
I recommend learning to strop first.

We have the Classifieds & our Vendors Corner to consider for your purchases as well as a number of advertisers at the top of most pages you browse.

Main Index - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
Vendors Corner

All good advice.

I bought my first shave ready razor from Bob Keyes and can't recommend him enough, great prices and great service. I would definitely not worry about a stone for awhile, get good with the stropping first. At most I would recommend a barbers hone for those every two month touch ups. It took me about three years to finally feel that I was ready to get a good set of stones. I got the Norton 240/1k - 4k/8k set. If you do get a set of stones practice on some old eBay razors before touching your shavers as you will make mistakes as you are starting out. I would definitely stick to perfecting your stropping technique for a while.

EBay razors can be fun and addicting but don't rely on them to be shavers just yet.

You will definitely need a strop. There are many options, and a wide range of prices. I would start with something "good" from a reputable site. Shop around a little before you pick. Then get some cream and a brush. That's all you need to start.


If you need a free honing you can shoot me a PM.

Michael