Thread: 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

Not sure of the brand (I havent heard of it), but if someone has gone thru the trouble of honing like that it could be worth a try. Some pics might help.
As for what to look for I believe there was a thread somewhere on here to help you out. Just do a quick search.

Manah might know..pm him

I've not heard of it (that's not saying much though), but it isn't listed in the Wiki either good or bad, so I guess the Wiki doesn't know either. Not much help to you now am I?!


Mick

Well, hey there, Onion, and welcome to SRP! I must confess I'm unfamiliar with that particular marque. I really do hope it works out well for you, though. Pics of it would be most welcome when you finally receive it!

Without a pic it could be a Dubl Duck, Fillarmonica, or W&B and be a bad buy..

I have not had one go through my hands yet so I can't speak of quality, However if it is a vintage razor it probably shaves if it is in decent shape


Some articles, they're are on the front page each month but here are the ones from the past in one spot

Straight Razor Place - Beginners Tips: April 2012 "A Rear-View)


You really want this one first

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...eb-2011-a.html


But there a few more on the allure of e-bay

I got some info answered from this same question posted in B&B. It is actually Dame, Stoddard and Kendall. Made in Solingen, Germany. The company was founded in 1800 in Boston and was a big importer and agent for many American manufacturers as well as top European houses. I couldn't find too much more information except that the company later became Dame Stoddard and Co (1901-1930) and later Stoddard's.

Originally Posted by Onionnnnn

I got some info answered from this same question posted in B&B.

Well, that's cool. Nothing wrong with looking in multiple places. The point is, though, that the name can be a great one, but the razor might still need a little help to get to shaving. If you lack the experience, you should send it to someone who can get it honed up and shave ready for you, either here or over there. Just don't scratch an old dull razor around on your face to decide if this is for you or not.

Onion, Welcome to SRP.
And using search at our forum you'll find a lot of info about any straight razors ...and using them.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ing-razor.html