Thread: Dove straight in... and now having a few questions!

Well, my entry into straight razor shaving was like I do most things. Spent some money and bought everything far too quickly. But anyhow, did the reading, have had three great shaves, but now have a few questions!

I'm back in Australia, and like many aussies, hit up Shaver Shop. And yes, any customer service person I met really had no idea (and happily admitted it). But I went with my gut to pick up a few extra products. Seems like this is a fairly common problem on here.

Bought a Dovo 5/8 blade. $99. Happy. Will definitely look at some new blades soon too though! But my questions lie in strop, whetstone:

- I bought the P.A. Brown Strop (number 12, $99) which as I've discovered is a rather no name strop, with a second strap on the back of which appears to be unfinished (right term?) leather. Is this okay to use in place of linen or canvas? Or have a I wasted the dosh?

- I bought a whetstone Tojrio 8000 from King of Knives ($164 - very special price due to Xmas sales). But I've since seen every single person recommend the 4000/8000 combos like Norton. Again, wasted dosh? or is this okay for intermittent honing (http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...hones-2.html)?


Yes, if I had my choices again, I would have ordered the Norton and a double strop from ShaveNation.com and be done with it. But my OCD is kicking in and I want to end it! Keep the GF happy either way

Originally Posted by jye

Well, my entry into straight razor shaving was like I do most things. Spent some money and bought everything far too quickly. But anyhow, did the reading, have had three great shaves, but now have a few questions!

I'm back in Australia, and like many aussies, hit up Shaver Shop. And yes, any customer service person I met really had no idea (and happily admitted it). But I went with my gut to pick up a few extra products. Seems like this is a fairly common problem on here.

Bought a Dovo 5/8 blade. $99. Happy. Will definitely look at some new blades soon too though! But my questions lie in strop, whetstone:

I am going to guess the razor was shave ready or you have since gotten it that way if you are shaving with it. If not you might want to consider looking up some of the guys that hone in Aussie.

- I bought the P.A. Brown Strop (number 12, $99) which as I've discovered is a rather no name strop, with a second strap on the back of which appears to be unfinished (right term?) leather. Is this okay to use in place of linen or canvas? Or have a I wasted the dosh?

I have not had a strop from P.A. Brown myself so can not speak to the quality of the leather. With that said as to using the rough leather in place of a canvas/linen strop that should work just fine. I have used a strop that was designed just like that in the past with good results.

- I bought a whetstone Tojrio 8000 from King of Knives ($164 - very special price due to Xmas sales). But I've since seen every single person recommend the 4000/8000 combos like Norton. Again, wasted dosh? or is this okay for intermittent honing (http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...hones-2.html)?

Your hone should be good for light touch ups at 8k. That is the range that most old barber hones where in. In this case the price seems a little high to me but I am not from Aussie so really can't speak to prices there. If the norton is equal price or less I would consider returning yours and getting the norton if you can as i think eventually you will want a 4k stone.

Yes, if I had my choices again, I would have ordered the Norton and a double strop from ShaveNation.com and be done with it. But my OCD is kicking in and I want to end it! Keep the GF happy either way

I think I got all your questions.

Hi and welcome. I had all the same questions! First as to your stone, that stone may be fine for touch ups but if your blade is dull you are going to need some additional stones to get the best edge on your razor. The stone you have is not a waste of money (although I'm not familiar with that brand) but you will need to add stones. I would add a 1k a 3k or4k at the least. Later on you can get a 12 or 16k for that little extra but its not required. I would wait a while and work on your shaving technique first before you hone. If you care for your razor and keep it stropped properly you should not need it honed for months, and then I would recommend sending it off to get honed so you will have a point of reference to what sharp is. As far as your strop goes you can use the unfinished side as you would the linen. May I suggest you get a cheaper one to learn on as you may nic up your strop when learning. It would be a shame to nick up a 90 strop right off the bat. Welcome and have fun!

Originally Posted by ccase39

Hi and welcome. I had all the same questions! First as to your stone, that stone may be fine for touch ups but if your blade is dull you are going to need some additional stones to get the best edge on your razor. The stone you have is not a waste of money (although I'm not familiar with that brand) but you will need to add stones. I would add a 1k a 3k or4k at the least. Later on you can get a 12 or 16k for that little extra but its not required. I would wait a while and work on your shaving technique first before you hone. If you care for your razor and keep it stropped properly you should not need it honed for months, and then I would recommend sending it off to get honed so you will have a point of reference to what sharp is. As far as your strop goes you can use the unfinished side as you would the linen. May I suggest you get a cheaper one to learn on as you may nic up your strop when learning. It would be a shame to nick up a 90 strop right off the bat. Welcome and have fun!

Thanks so much. Feeling much more relieved now on all fronts! Really appreciate the input.

Today is shave four. Wish me luck!