Thread: Newb here - How much did I screw up?

Hi folks,

I've never shaved with a straight razor before. About a month ago I had the epiphany that it seems like each new shaving innovation (more blades, vibrating, etc.) just seems to irritate my face more. So, just tonight I finally decided to get off my ass and try the exact opposite - the straight razor. Unfortunately, I found this site right after I made my initial purchases. Can you help me figure out what I've done right and wrong?

With regard to razors, I've put in bids on about half a dozen older razors from e-bay, figuring that as long as there are no nicks, it shouldn't be too difficult to get them to a point where they can provide a servicable shave. Now, that may have been a mistake. I have some experience making and sharpening blades (my high school had blacksmithing classes), but I'm starting to appreciate that there are substantial differences between a razor and a machette, and that my skill with a fine grain belt sander may not translate into the present situation. So, should I just forget the whole e-bay thing and buy a new razor? If so, is there a good razor to be had for not too much money, so that I can try this whole thing without sinking in a massive investment? On the other hand, if restoration of an older blade is feasible for a newbie, are there any specific tips I should know (aside from rubbing the blade with a white scour pad to remove any rust, and then honing and stropping)? An example of one that I have a bid on:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEBI%3AIT&rd=1

As for accessories, I bought the following from bowmanbeauty.com:
Razor Strop 2 1/2" x 23"
Fromm Strop Dressing
Standard Pure Badger Shaving Brush-Black Handle
Colonel Cork Bay Rum Shave Soap
Styptic Powder
Colonel Conk Razor Hone
Does that all sound acceptable? I'm most concerned about the hone, it sounds like honing is a substantially more difficult process that I'd anticipated, and I'm not sure if I need to buy a higher quality product.

Also, I live in Chicago if anyone knows of any good local stores that would be worth visiting.

Thanks,
Kyle

What grit is that hone? The rest of the items seem to be in good order. When I started not to long ago I got the beginners set from tilly at www.redtrader99.com. Is a good starter set but they need to be lapped. And I still cant get the lithide to do any good. the gem does a pretty good job at getting the blade sharp though.
If that is the worst looking blade you are bidding on I think you are doing ok. I have 3 and one on the way from ebay. and 2 shave very well and the other I am working on(soon it will shave well also)just takes time and patients. Good Luck and dont get discouraged or disapointed. The mastery of this art takes time and we all are still trying to figure it out. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Everyone is more than willing to help.

Keaton

Pretty good equipment actually. The hone won't do by itself. I would recommend a barber hone in med grit to complement the Conk hone. Most on here recommend the Norton 4/8K but its a little pricey. I would recommend a shave ready razor from a member here next. You'll see the futility in shaving with all that stuff really quickly. Do not spend a bunch of money on stuff right now. Go slow. Lynn (adjustme69) is a professional razor hone specialist and will sharpen the blade correctly for you if you would like, usually at a reasonable price considering the time it can take you to hone it yourself.

A 4 sided paddle strop is another recommended tool instead of a hone. Tony Miller makes the best ones on the planet and is also, strangely enough, a member here as well.

Your assumption was correct, this method will treat your skin better but you must take the time to learn how to do it, it ain't like the other stuff. Typical time investment to learn is about 4-6 months.

Oh and Welcome...

Yes, welcome aboard.

I don't think you screwed up at all. Depending on how much you spent on e-bay razors, you might wind up with a few cheapies to learn to hone with, so it might wind up being all good in the end.

There seems to be a feeling that the Col. Conk hone is far too rough for finishing, so you'll need something finer than that. The "standard" here, as you've already been told, is the Norton 4K/8K, but, yeah, it comes in at like $80 from classicshaving.com, so it's a bit on the pricey side. I use one of Tony's paddle strops to maintain my razors, and like it a lot.

I think Truefitt & Hill actually has a store in Chicago (http://www.truefittchicago.com/index.html). I don't know if I'd get a shave there unless I was really treating myself, but they make some great shaving products. As far as anything straight razor specific, though, I don't know of any other stores.

Good luck!

Kyle,

Do check out www.billysblades.com This guy is a member
of the forum and has some great deals on older, vintage
straight razors. They come shave ready. As far as the one's
that you bought, you could actually have a good one or two.
At the very least you will have something to practise honing
with.

I wish you luck,


Terry

Originally Posted by wvbias

Kyle,

Do check out www.billysblades.com This guy is a member
of the forum...

His name is Mr. Bill Ellis, urleebird here...

For honing, I have to point you to Tony. Pasted strops are much easier to get teh hang of than the Norton and certainly than the barber hones, and if you get a member sharpened razor (which yo should) you'll only need to use it infrequently t o maintain a good edge.

X

Fantastic, thanks for all your help. I think I'll go ahead and get the 4 sided paddle strop. I see that you can have him pre-paste the surfaces, which is good, but where does one buy abrasive paste going forward?

Went ahead and ordered a razor from Billy, so I'm set in that department, and if I win some of those e-bay razors, I'll have something to practice on.

Yeah they are good to practice on, but some become very good shavers.
Going with a strop from Tony will be a really good idea. He has great craftsmanship on everything he makes.


Keaton

Kyle,

You can get the paste from www.classicshaving.com.

Which razor did you order from Bill, if you don't mind me
asking? I'm sure you will be satisfied with it.


Terry