New (first) razor arrived.

My new razor arrived this morning and, as predicted by many on this site, was definately not 'shave ready'.

I couldn't resist giving it a try, and it just wouldn't cut through my 2 day old beard growth.It was like shaving with a butter knife !! I didn't cut myself or anything, and stopped farely soon after starting.
Finished the shave off with a Mach3 , and managed to cut myself with it!

I really can't believe that these things are shipped out so poorly sharpened (it isn't as though it was a cheapie either). I am sure there are many people out there who get one of these, try it and think they are crap. If they don't know about sites like this i'm sure they would just give up.

Can't wait for the razor I ordered from Joe Chandlers site to arrive. However, as its Christmas I doubt it will appear for a few weeks or so. I had hoped I wouldn't have to buy any more Mach3's - ce la vie.

Norhpole

My first straight was from Joe and it is my sharpest razor!

I have other razors that I have tried honing myself, but although they are sharper than the ones I purchased new, they are nowhere near Joe's.

You are right - if someone bought a new razor, expecting it to be sharp out of the box, they would be very dissappointed!

Northpole,
Which one did you order?

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Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

Northpole,
Which one did you order?

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Brookes & Crookes 5/8 - order no.66

What tips have you got for keeping this in tiptop condition? - i'm a bit confused as there are so many opinions here ( Norton, Barbers hones etc). I was think of getting the beginners set from redtrader99 (tilly?) as Norton stones are difficult to source at anything other than an extortionate price. I plan to practice on a couple of cheap ebays.

Thanks

If you get one of Joes razors I would recommend getting a paddle strop from Tony Miller at http://www.thewellshavedgentleman.com/

This will be the easiest way to maintain it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by northpole

Brookes & Crookes 5/8 - order no.66

What tips have you got for keeping this in tiptop condition? - i'm a bit confused as there are so many opinions here ( Norton, Barbers hones etc). I was think of getting the beginners set from redtrader99 (tilly?) as Norton stones are difficult to source at anything other than an extortionate price. I plan to practice on a couple of cheap ebays.

Thanks

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Ok. Sometimes it's hard to match up screen names with actual names when printing out packing slips. :D That one shaved wonderfully (I mailed it to you yesterday, btw) The pasted strop is probably the best thing to maintain it between honings. A fine barbers hone (like a Swaty or a Premier) should keep it shaving for quite a while. It has a good bevel on it now, so assuming you don't drop it or otherwise bugger up the edge, do a few (10-20) swipes on a fine hone when it starts to pull (and when pasted stropping isn't cutting the mustard anymore). I'm partial to the Nortons, coticules, and Eschers, but the barbers hones are a good choice if you don't want to make such a major investment, particularly if it's sharp to start with, has a good bevel, and is just pulling a little.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

Ok. Sometimes it's hard to match up screen names with actual names when printing out packing slips. :D That one shaved wonderfully (I mailed it to you yesterday, btw) The pasted strop is probably the best thing to maintain it between honings. A fine barbers hone (like a Swaty or a Premier) should keep it shaving for quite a while. It has a good bevel on it now, so assuming you don't drop it or otherwise bugger up the edge, do a few (10-20) swipes on a fine hone when it starts to pull (and when pasted stropping isn't cutting the mustard anymore). I'm partial to the Nortons, coticules, and Eschers, but the barbers hones are a good choice if you don't want to make such a major investment, particularly if it's sharp to start with, has a good bevel, and is just pulling a little.

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Hi Joe

Thanks for posting the razor so promptly.

Thanks also for the advice. I've bought a couple of cheap, but in good conditon, razors on ebay to play with. I've also ordered the Norton 4000/8000 stone, and have put in a (ridiculously high max) bid for a swaty on ebay. I'll probably order a coticule and a pasted strop as well - once you start it's hard to stop spending. It's only money!!!

Thanks again

Northpole

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichZ

If you get one of Joes razors I would recommend getting a paddle strop from Tony Miller at http://www.thewellshavedgentleman.com/

This will be the easiest way to maintain it.

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Hi

Thanks for the link. I have had a look and there's quite a few options. What would you recommend:

1) Plain wood or covered with leather?

2) How many sides pasted? (I already have a Dovo everyday strop). If not all, which pastes?

3) Do you know if they ship overseas - UK? Couldn't see anything about that on the website.

Thanks

Northpole

I just received a package from Tony and I live in Mongolia, so he will ship everywhere. :D
Got a starter kit from him. Razor, No1 3" Vintage honey leather strop, got a starter one for free!, a 4 sided paddle strop pre pasted with 3, 1, 0.5 micron paste and black latigo on the 4th side.
Postage here was little more than $ 30. Well packed. No problems.
Email Tony with your questions, he is most helpfull to us newbies and gives suggestions and recomendations.

Mats

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Olav Vittfarne

I just received a package from Tony and I live in Mongolia, so he will ship everywhere. :D
Got a starter kit from him. Razor, No1 3" Vintage honey leather strop, got a starter one for free!, a 4 sided paddle strop pre pasted with 3, 1, 0.5 micron paste and black latigo on the 4th side.
Postage here was little more than $ 30. Well packed. No problems.
Email Tony with your questions, he is most helpfull to us newbies and gives suggestions and recomendations.

Mats

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Thanks

I don't think the postage charges will be that much to the UK. However, we in the UK have rather high import taxes, which can add on a considerable amount to the cost. So I need to work this out, and if it's too high possibly sources a paddle strop from somehere here in the UK.

Northpole

Quote:

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Originally Posted by northpole

Hi

Thanks for the link. I have had a look and there's quite a few options. What would you recommend:

1) Plain wood or covered with leather?

2) How many sides pasted? (I already have a Dovo everyday strop). If not all, which pastes?

3) Do you know if they ship overseas - UK? Couldn't see anything about that on the website.

Thanks

Northpole

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I got started with one of Tony's wide 2 sided paddles, red latigo for stropping on one side and 0.5 diamond pasted plain leather on the other for finishing or touching up an edge. It's been perfect for me and I'd recommend it to anyone starting out.

Well if i was to buy any strops in the world i would always speak to Tony first, the importation laws are (i belive)

Up to £18 - if it is shipped normal
Up to £36 - if it is a gift

This is all taken from the price on the front of the package,

my last items from the US cost me $183 and the customs charge was £20 which is a pain but that was sent directly from the company and not as a gift.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DMS

I got started with one of Tony's wide 2 sided paddles, red latigo for stropping on one side and 0.5 diamond pasted plain leather on the other for finishing or touching up an edge. It's been perfect for me and I'd recommend it to anyone starting out.

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And if you've already got a hanging strop and are looking for something to keep your razor refreshed, I'd recommend his wide 2-sided paddle with leather + 1 micron diamond on one side, and balsa + chrome oxide on the other.