Thread: Shave techniques and damage to look for?

Hello,
I am new to straight razor shaving. I just got my first straight razor as a gift. It's a vintage razor, approx. 110 years old. It's 7/8" and looks like a wedge cut? (it does not have much concave to it). Anyway, the stamp on it says "medaille Raffin-fauron" Just wondering if anyone might have any advice on technique with this type of razor before I try my first shave? Also, if you can tell by the pictures, does this razor look like one a beginner could start off with? And I also read to look out for razors with damage...does this look like there is any damage I would need to look out for? Any info helps! Thanks Fellas!

First off, welcome to SRP.

That looks like a very nice razor, and would be fine for a first blade. Assuming that the razor is indeed shave ready (pre-honed), read this, it should give you a good idea of how to proceed.

If your razor is NOT shave ready you'll definitely want to send it out before your initial shave.

Thank you! I am excited to finally start straight razor shaving! Yes, I was told it was shave ready. I tried the arm hair test and it cut them no problem. Thank you for the link, it was helpful!

I'm certainly no expert, but it looks as if it is older than 110 years. If you could post a pic of the full razor, including the tang (the end that sticks out when closed), there might be more information.
The scales look like they might be horn, the bullseye pins, the large size and heavy grind, lack of country of origin all point to perhaps 1860-1880 or so.
In any case, nice, nice razor, and a great razor to learn on. It should be a smooth shaver. Welcome and ask questions!

Thank you so much for the info! Here are a couple more pics of the full razor and the tang...

Beautiful razor!

Nice!
I don't think the pins are original to the razor and probably the scales aren't either. Someone has restored this razor, and done a fine job of it by the way. I'm sticking with my date estimate, though. I think it's much older than the turn of the last century. Congrats on the razor. It's beautiful and full of character.

Looks great, I wish I had a wedge, it looks like a beast! Meet with a mentor in your area for some great advice. What questions do you have as far as the shaving process?

Did my first shave with it last night! Went great! I only did both cheeks to the jaw line. Any one have any advice on the best way to do the upper lip and chin (mainly underneath on the neck) with a wider blade like this? Also, I didn't want to get water on the scales, so I just wiped the blade with my finger after each stroke, and dried it off with a tissue after the shave. Is that the best way to do it? and is there any other further maintenance to do afterwards (Other than stropping)? Thanks guys

I dry mine off with paper tissue with strokes going from the spine to the edge (and very light pressure) and then let it air dry for 30 - 60 mins. As for during the shave, I hold it with the razor vertical (and scales horizontally in my hand) and let the water run over both sides and the water doesn't get near the scales. But if your tap (faucet) is close to the edge of the sink, you have to be careful not to loose focus and ding the edge of the razor.