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!

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.