Thread: Newbie questions, looking for advice pls

Last month I picked up a de razor, after a while I started getting used to the actual shave but it felt like there were still some problems (though neck irritation and in grown hairs mostly disappered). The main one was the razor felt clunky and b/c of the big head of the safety bar it felt like I only had a general idea of where the razor was with in like a half inch space. That caused some problems in some areas so I started looking back into straights.

While checking out some local knive stores I found a cheap shavette for 18 bucks. I picked that up and gave it a go, it felt like it itself wasn't exactly the right tool for the job but I definately liked the method far better. And again, though the shave still felt sorta limited, the areas where I had problems with the DE came out a lot better. So now I'm back to square one looking for a good straight everything for it heh.

I think I narrowed it down to either
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/564072.htm or
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/564288.htm

The main things I'm curious about before I buy are;

Would the size difference really make a noticable difference in the shave? I was going to go 5/8 because it seemed standard and I figured a smaller blade would be easier to manouver (which is what I liked about the shavette) but I do have a tough beard and that was one of the problems with the shavette. It felt like it didn't have the wieght to push through and instead sorta caught on the hairs so I had to use short choppy strokes. Would switching to any real straight just about fix that though?

I have a brush and everything from the DE so I'm good for that stuff, but what else do I need specifically for the straight?

1 double sided strop sounds like a given, are the yellow and white pastes a must or is there a benefit to having a strop with out them though?

Would a 2nd strop for green and red pastes be a must?

And does anyone happen to know the length of the cutting edge on those 2 razors or where I could order a good 3inch wide strop with a leather/linen side? I was hoping to avoid having to do the x pattern for stropping if possible and it seems like the only 3inch wide strop at classicshaving is leather only.

As far as honing goes, the norton 4/8k should be all I'd need for now right? Would either TI came shave ready or should I opt to have the razor sent thru Lynn's sharpening service?

And lastly, have any of the Canadians from Ontario (southern particularly) had problems with the fed ex or UPS shipping from classicshaving? When I ordered the DE set I had it all sent thru regular mail and it took long enough that I'd consider paying extra to speed things up, but I thought I heard someone say the problem is with customs and there's still a big hold up at the border with either option.

Thanks in advance for any help, and sorry if this is a lot for a newb to ask. It came out longer than I thought it would.

I would get the full hollow TI and 5/8 is fine. You might end up preffering 6/8 or larger some day, but you certainly can get a fine shave with a 5/8 blade. TI's are sometimes shave-ready but you SHOULD spend the 20 bucks and have Lynn hone it. It will give you something to shoot for when you eventually have to hone the razor. You probably don't need the Norton stone at this point. Pasted strops are fine, but you should not need those for a long time either if you go with Lynn. Get the best strop you can afford. Tony Miller or Dovo Russian are excellent. Yes, you should get the yellow conditioner for your strop. I believe its beef tallow, so other stuff would probably work too. I don't think a 3" strop is necessary or even better, but some prefer them.

Larry,


You have got to stop this. I can't remember anything I have read I am too distracted!!!!!!

Originally Posted by RichZ

Larry,


You have git to stop this. I can't remember anything I have read I am too distracted!!!!!!

Its starting to affect your spelling as well!

Originally Posted by Canadian bacon

Would the size difference really make a noticable difference in the shave?

I say go for the 6/8 as its weight is a real comfort and it sounds like you'd appreciate this. Also spring for the double hollow singing sheffield steel. I bet you'll thank yourself with every shave.

Originally Posted by Canadian bacon

I have a brush and everything from the DE so I'm good for that stuff, but what else do I need specifically for the straight?

1 double sided strop sounds like a given, are the yellow and white pastes a must or is there a benefit to having a strop with out them though?

Paddle strops are for sharpening (usually), hanging strops are NOT! I prefer the hanging strop for the daily duty which does not include pastes. Having a paddle with pastes is a good idea for long term maintenance IMHO. On Lynn's advice I used mink oil on my hanging strop. Still going strong. Still haven't put anything on my Tony Miller paddle.

Originally Posted by Canadian bacon

And does anyone happen to know the length of the cutting edge on those 2 razors or where I could order a good 3inch wide strop with a leather/linen side? I was hoping to avoid having to do the x pattern for stropping if possible and it seems like the only 3inch wide strop at classicshaving is leather only.

Once again, Tony Miller is THE strop guru. Don't be shy about the x pattern. I think it's better. As for linen, I use it so I like it, those that don't, seem to do fine without. 6 of 1 ...

Originally Posted by Canadian bacon

As far as honing goes, the norton 4/8k should be all I'd need for now right?

you CAN get a good shaving edge from the Norton, but I find i need something else, at least a 0.5 micron paste (green) since my honing skills are only good at 8 months of practice on a dozen or two razors.

Originally Posted by Canadian bacon

Would either TI came shave ready or should I opt to have the razor sent thru Lynn's sharpening service?

TI's are said to come pretty sharp, but I say send it to Lynn and it'll be 100% good to go when it shows up. ou want to be shaving first and playing second.

Originally Posted by Canadian bacon

And lastly, have any of the Canadians from Ontario (southern particularly) had problems with the fed ex or UPS shipping from classicshaving.

Aye, there's the rub ...
UPS likes to charge a stretching hand in brokerage fees for the honour of carrying your merch across the border. Classic Shaving will ship United States Postal Service, but be sure to ask them to. On the other hand, any order over $50 CDN will get you dinged with taxes when Canada Post shows up with it anyhow so my advice is to do what you can to minimise your damage. Either order HUGE all at once to make it worth it, or try to keep it to a few smaller batches.

And remember; There are no dumb questions, only dummies who don't use the Search function.

X

I do the USPS thing too for all International orders......UPS kills you on brokerage fees either way when something crosses the border.

My 3" strops are leather and linen and I can also do a leather only, 3" or 3 1/4".

Either of those razors would be a fine choice. I have a basic Dovo but if you can swing it a TI is always worth the extra $$.

Best,
Tony

For a heavy beard get a 6/8.
Send it to be honed by Lynn. Thats a must do.
A hanging strop with the yellow paste, no abrasives.
A paddle strop with 0.5 micron and 0.25 micron abrasive pastes.
The best shaving soap you can afford.

These are the necessary items.
====================================
A paddle strop with 3.0 and 1.0 abrasive pastes.
3 inch wide Norton 4000/8000 hone.

These you will want in the near future.
=====================================

Hope this helps,