Is the razor I just bought a sufficient first straight edge for a beginner?
Hey everyone,
I recently just purchased my first straight edge on ebay which, of course, is kind of a gamble but at about $27 shipped I was willing to take that chance and even eager and almost over zealous about jumping into straight edge shaving. I had to stop myself a few times from getting into bidding wars on some clearly good razors that were skyrocketing at the last minute because they were either collectible or valuable and also prevent myself from getting a blade that needed repair beyond the cost of sending it for honing. I still have bids in on some other razors of more well known name (at least to me) and also don't want to end up with 10 razors before my first one is even delivered.
This all got started when I went looking to buy a replacement shavette for touch ups on my forehead/neck hairline and side burns in between trips to the barber recently and I feel like a whole other world of shaving was unveiled to me. I actually had picked up my first shavette right at my barber shop when I lived in California and lost it in the move back to NY. When I went to went to order one I looked online and in addition to the shavette I had became so intrigued and fascinated by the art of old school shaving and it's advantages that I got a DE Merkur 34D HD and threw out the can of Gillette gel for some quality shaving soap and badger brush. I figured its something I will always use, will last decades, and would stop me from rushing into high cost straight razor shaving before doing some research.
Anyways.... I'm planning on purchasing a few other used straight edge razors to feel out what I like and what works on my face to find out what shape, width, grind, etc is best for me before dropping a good chunk of change on a blade of my preference but I wanted to know what some knowledgeable shavers thought about the straight edge I just purchased.
It's a Damestolard & Kendall 5/8 Full Hollow. The blade seems to be in good condition with no pitting, rust or nicks and little if any hone wear and one of the reasons I chose to bid on this one is because the seller explained that it was progressively honed using 1K, 4K, 6K, 8K, and then finished with a Chinese 12K as well as stropped on linen and latigo leather. Shave ready.
So....... I was wondering if anyone could please enlighten me with any information about the manufacturer, their quality and if the razor is as described was this a good purchase to start off on? If not, what should I be looking for on while I bid?
Over and out,
-Onion
