Originally Posted by
neilwolff
My name is Neil and I am from Toronto. I cant believe how much time I have spent in the last 4 weeks learning about straight razors. I have been immersed. There is so much information. I have one razor coming from China (top of the line Titan - ARCO Steel). I hope it will be OK. My research came across a few good reviews of the razor with VG-10 steel. I couldn't find any reviews for the ARCO steel but based on the manufacture's information the ARCO steel appears to be a higher quality, harder steel. According to the tracking information it should arrive on Tuesday. I am soooo looking forward to it. I have found a Japanese Sword and Knife restorer who will hone it for me. I purchased a 3 line Swatty Barber Hone on Ebay. It appears to be in good shape. I purchased a leather and cotton strop.
I also just purchased (today) a set of 9 x 13 Aluminum Oxide lapping films after much research on hones which i am determined to learn. I just won a vintage Brandt straight razor ($14.00 including shipping) that looks like it is good shape to practice my honing on (http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA3MVgxNjAw/z/f8gAAOSwcnpTneD-/$_57.JPG). I have a few bids on other vintage straights that to practice my honing on. I am hoping that I will be able to bring at least one of the razors back to life. I am off to home depot to get a marble or granite stone cut for the base of my lapping film hone I will be making. I cant wait to start honing.
I would also welcome any introductions to any experienced members in Toronto who would be willing to meet and show me how to hone (or review my honing).