Thread: Choices.....I'm new to all these beauties

Jim,

Thank you for the comment and advice .... Well said.
I'm looking into 2.5" strops vs a modular paddle... However I like the idea of following a tradition.... In the end I may end up with both and more... Kind of hard to stick with only one.
Like my wife said "why do you need so many shaving creams and razors"... I respond... "Well... Why do you need so many shoes"...:-)
It's self indulging... But I like it... And that's "OK"

Originally Posted by cfbmd

Thanks everyone for the input and comments

Ok... I'm getting there..

This is what I'm thinking so far:
Razor: Start off with a Boker King Cutter
Strop: Contemplating either a Straight Razor Designs Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle (that way when if I screw up the leather learning how to stop I can just order a replacement leather pad) or his 3" PREMIUM IV English Bridle strop (but maybe this should be the one I get when I learn to strop well).

Question: How many of you guys hone your own razors...?
Because if I'm going to do this... I was contemplating going all the way and also getting the NANIWA Value pack - 5000, 8000 & 12000 Grit stones.

What do you guys think...???

Oh... I almost forgot...since I love DE razors as well...I'm ordering the New Muhle R41 open comb.... anyone have/like that razor?

Cfbmd,

Razor: get whatever you think looks good, but make sure it is professionally honed.

Strop: IMO a paddle strop seemed easier to not mess up and roll the edge of the blade when I first learned to strop, but I like stropping with a hanging strop more. I having shaving almost exclusively with a straight on average of 4-5 days a week for a little over a year. My 1st strop was an SRD Premier leather 3in strop and would recommend it. You are pretty much guaranteed to nick your 1st strop a few times, so I wouldn't go expensive.

Hones: I have read from senior members on here numerous times that it is a good idea to wait a little while before jumping into honing. I would hold off on the hones for a little while, personally. It takes a few months to get the hang of shaving, technique, etc down and by then you will probably need to have it re-honed. I'd send it off to be pro-honed that time and then really pay attention to blade sharpness and feel when it comes back. I waited around 10 months before starting honing my own razors and am glad I did. I was ready by then and had a really good idea of what the honed edge should feel like. It would have been a huge frustration otherwise.

Regards,

JC

Quick note:
I started with a vintage hanging strop I found tucked away in an antique shop (it was in remarkable condition compared to all others I've seen since then). While it was a hanging strop (2.25") I actually learned honing by setting it on the kitchen table and stropping that way. Once I was confident at the table, I hung it from the towel bar in the bathroom and transferred my experience there. So, a hanging strop does not necessarily preclude the learning benefits of a paddle strop.

FWIW

Peace,
Jim