New to straight razor shaving and the forum !

[Joeiam]

Hi everyone,

So glad to have found this website it has been a massive help.
Ive been shaving with a straight razor for about 2 months now and really getting in to it. I bought a George Wostenholm 6/8 full hollow ground razor from the classifieds here and been getting on well with it until it the wooden scales broke on it whilst having a shave last night.. it broke on a fracture line from a previous restoration. So Im now stuck without a straight razor untill I get this one fixed/restored.
Im going to try and fix it myself but if I fail I was hoping you guys could point me in the right direction of someone that would fix it for me and maybe take a look at the blade also.

Now I originally bought this razor on a whim as I liked it so much from the images but not sure it is the best for a novice to straight razor shaving... I was looking at so many I just thought id buy one that was in a good price range for me and just see what happens.

I want to buy another.... So i need some advice on what to get... I bought a 6/8 as the beginners guide said thats a good size to go for, but have since been told a 4/8 would be better and to go for a wedge rather than a full hollow ground.
Im looking in the price range of around £60-£120. Ive been looking at this razor alot

Muhle 5/8 Carbon Steel Open Razor :: Straight Razors & Cut-Throat Razors :: Razors :: The Shaving Shack

but understand new a razor need to be sent away to be honed is this so ? and where ?

I soppose I could just do with a few pointers in where to start to make sure I get the right straight razor for my novice skills.

Thanks for reading through all this and looking forward to some good advice and finding a nice razor.

Cheers !

[syslight]

Welcome to SRP!
some days wooden scales just let you down. you might want to take a look at the invisible edge and/or the strop-shop they are both UK based and have great customer service. I'm sure there are other Uk outlets but these are the two that spring to the top of my mind.

i'm not so sure about that muhle, i've used some of their products and the quality seemed just mediocre. since the sight you listed recommends the strop shop for honing i suggest you ask them (the strop shop) about the quality of the steel in the muhle razor.

enjoy,
jim

[England]

Welcome. Your George Wostenholm 6/8 full hollow is absolutely fine for a beginner and is a quality make. Just get it repaired and honed.
This is the best place to buy from in the UK Introduction to razors
Also quality gear sold here Strop-Shop.Co.UK although often low on stock.
Both of these will also repair/hone your George Wostenholm.
Not heard of the make you posted a link to, there is a 'Razors to avoid' list somewhere on this site but I'm not sure where ?
Personally I would avoid it and buy from one of the sites I linked.

Edit: syslight beat me to it.

[Joeiam]

Thanks for the advice both of you. Got in touch with the strop shop about fixing my straight razor. Been looking at the site you suggested to buy from too. Found one on a site from the USA though on The Restored Razor - Straight Razor Shaving a nice vintage razor thats been restored, I think Im going to buy.... Its a 4/8 half hollow ABT square point. Looks really nice.

Cheers for the advice !

[nun2sharp]

Stick to the 5 or 6/8ths, these are the easiest to learn on. Check the classifieds hear and look under the heading member services for honing and restoration services.. Super glue is also a good quick fix. Good luck and welcome to SRP.