I wouldn't sell the Union Cutlery Spike. From what little I see in the pics, it only needs some very light cleaning & probably honed by a pro. That, btw, runs $20-$35.
I don't personally have experience with UC razors, but I have heard good things.
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I wouldn't sell the Union Cutlery Spike. From what little I see in the pics, it only needs some very light cleaning & probably honed by a pro. That, btw, runs $20-$35.
I don't personally have experience with UC razors, but I have heard good things.
Hi and welcome. I would send that razor for honing and get them to mute the point while you learn or get a shave ready razor from the classifieds. As said you will probably want to get a decent strop as well. As well as the others mentioned the Illinois razor company strops are decent cheaper strops too. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask
+1 eddy:lurk:
Wow, I can honestly say that I am very impressed with the caliber of people who post to this forum. I am surprised by the outreach of this community to help a newbie get on their feet in this hobby. Thanks all.
The spike looks like it should shave fine with a pro hone. It is not recommended to strop before your first shave, incorrect stropping can degrade the edge, don't ask how I know. While gold dollar razors are hit and miss, it may be that you trashed the edge while attempting to strop it. I have had no dealings with the vendor so can't say what his edges are like. Get that spike up and running, best of luck.
You have 2 problems....
1 You need a razor to shave with. Your best bet is to send that OC Spike out to be honed. It is a good razor. Look in the Classifieds under services for a person to help you.
2. You do not have a good strop nor do you know how to strop correctly. A plain smooth belt with no stitching will be better than what you have now, or you can use news paper or denim or palm strop. I would not suggest purchasing a good strop right now. Most of us kinda damaged our first strop so go with an inexpensive option. Watch some videos on stropping. Lynn Abrams has some very good ones on Youtube.
Welcome to SRP :)
Hang onto the Spike! I have 2 and they are great shavers. Good luck!