Lost on a stormy sea without a paddle or compass

I have absolutely no idea if I am getting this right. I received a helper today to calm the sea a bit. Please excuse me if I am in the wrong sea. I am 71 and have been using a straight razor for 20 years plus, maybe 30, I cannot recall exactly, but I believe I was in my early thirties when I began. I am retired from a 35 year stint in education; Masters in learning disabilities.
I am interested in engagement of dialogue. I am not here to argue any points. I only attempt to give my thoughts on matters of interest.
Currently my cursor is not working well, have to double strike keys to get a word out.
I own no new razors. All of mine have come from antique dealers. When I visit razor sites they are far outside my pocket, ergo the reason for antiques. I run seven to ten razors, so sharpening is limited. The reason being is that I have a beard, so I don't have much acreage to cover. I grew my beard just after the Viet Nam Era Conflict. I went to a straight razor because of the cost of safety razors, especially today. I guess that will be it for now. Glock27 out.

Welcome ot SRP.

Jonathan

Sent from my LGL34C using Tapatalk

Thanks. For some reason there appears to be slots on this site that will not permit me to type at my normal rate. At the moment the cursor is acting normal to your welcome. I have spent some hours here trying to figure things out, but it is like being lost on a stormy sea without a paddle or compass. If you see this, then I screwed up and couldn't find the introduction slot. I would blabber some more but with the antiquity of my physique I must close.
Respectfully,\Glock27

Hi glock27.

SRP really is a great forum, their are many extremely knowledgeable and helpful members.
Hopefully we can help you find a way in finding your sea legs.
I haven't read all your posts so please excuse me if you already have done so but I would start off by reading everything in the library (just under the SRP logo, top left hand) It contains everything you should need to help you on your way if you need it.
You have been using a straight razor for a long time so hopefully you can also share your knowledge and experience too.

Mark

Hi Mark, thank you for the warm welcome. I come here to pique my interest and social life. I am 71 with a lot of physical complaints. All the things I enjoyed doing in the past seem to all be at the bottom of the sea or gnashed up by bottom feeders. I use to hunt, tree stand up around 30 feet where the view is clear and my stink stays above a deer's nose. Unfortunately in forty years I can account for two bucks and one doe. I used a compound bow. Have never taken anything with a riffle except squirrel.
I can't tell you how long I have been using a straight razor. I have been guessing up to thirty years, but recasting my line it may be forty years. My first straight razor was purchased at an antique show. The blade was an old, nasty Hollow Ground Manufactured by Wade&Butcher, Sheffield. On the blade is enscribed "The Celebrated Hollow Ground Razor and under this is a circle with a Capital B in it, and arrow pointing toward the heel with four diamond shapes and points connected. I don't use the blade much because the scales are absent. They turned into a piece of crap. Have contemplated making my own, but it is in rough shape. The back is ground down that the original edge has diasppered. I will make a wild guess that it originally belonged to a barber. The blade has a lot of stain on it, but it had always been my most favorite to use because it would sharpen up quite easily. I only have eight razors.
In sharpening I originally used Japanese stones, four of them up to 8000 grit. I changed to Arkansas stones of which there are four.
Yesterday on line I read an article by a Juranitich who uses Arkansas'. I always used oil on my stones but he advised against it and said clean the oil off and use the stones clean. I found it in images of straight razor blades under microscopic views. I am going to give it a try and see if it helps bring the edge sharper than what I currently have.
I am blabbering so I shall stop.
Respectfully,
Glock27
(Tom)

Hey glock. Glad to meet you. Some of this stuff can be frustrating but fun at the same time. I have read that article too from Juranitch and have tried it out with mixed success. Sometimes I still will use my finisher dry and have had good results without any drawbacks. I have also tried with many lubricants too. I didn't notice much in the way of a better edge but I like the feedback better on my translucent and hard when they are dry. That's just me. For steel removal I use glycerin so the stones don't glaze over. That's just me and what I have found works and the way I like to do it. I have been using nothing but arks for quite a while now on my razors (knives all my life)so Although some will disagree with my techniques I have put the time in and found what works for me-not everyone- but me.

Awesome Tom and again Welcome

You found exactly the right place to introduce yourself and ask questions..

As you get better acquainted with the site navigation will become easier :)

Steel: Thank you for that information. How long have I been using a straight razor. Honestly I have been guessing. I served in the Air Force during the Viet Nam Era Conflict. It might have been a few years after my release, eight at most when I bought the old, very rough Wade & Butcher. It is so rough that I would venture a guess that the blade must have belonged to a barber. Out of the eight or nine blades I have it seems to continue to be the sharpest of the bunch, but I have not used it in years because the scales are now missing. Have contemplated making a pair, but seem to be too lazy, mostly because I have chronic osteoarthritis which keeps me in discomfort and pain 24/7.
On your note of oil or no I guess I will give it a go and see for myself. With the accumulation of time on my frame I am not as eager and passionate as I once was. I have a set of four Japanese stones (220/1000/4000 and 8000 along with a Chinese 50,000). I don't use these too frequently because of the waiting period for them to soak properly before use. There are two other stones a "FRANZSWATY'" which I know nothing about, but have used. It is a Milk Chocolate color. The other, which I know nothing about is a "Pike KRYSTOLO". It is cream colored and wood boxed with instructions. They proclaim five strokes should be good enough. Hm-m-m. I guess that is about it. I could go on, but my antique frame of mind just won't stay focused. Need to finish washing the car, cleaning up the spots I missed earlier today.
Respectfully,
Glock27
(Tom)

These forum sites require a learning curve almost as much as straight shaving! I wouldn't be too down on yourself, I'm a few decades your junior and still get befuddled technology wise. I just try not to break anything...

Nice to meet you Tom,

If I may, you sound just like my old man, bright as a button but he cant do the things he could a few years ago, although active a his body wont allow him to do the things he once did. Im but a mere pup at 36 years and if Im not working or looking after my two young uns Im learning and enjoying everything to do with straight razors. As I said SRP really is a great site even when conversations get a bit heated, opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one.

It might be worth looking in the restoration section of the forum, there is loads of information on making new scales so you can get your Wade and Butcher back up and running properly.

Ive only just started using natural hones, a Nakayama Kitta, so Im not much help with your Arkansas as Ive always used synthetics because of there consistancy, but as you can see, if someone can't help there's always others, like Steels post, that can.

Mark

The starting place for the restoration section Tom there are links for just about every step possible to fixing old SR's

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html



Tips on using the Swaty or any other Barber's Hone but keep in mind these are for "maintaining" a already shaving sharp razor not really making them "Shave Ready"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP-GUeN_yBs

Hi again Tom.

Honestly there are still little mysteries of this forum stuff that I am still learning, but we can get you through the basics pretty quickly. Then it will be much easier to participate without confusion. You already have figured out posting to threads, creating new threads, and PMs so you are well on your way. Soon you can get back to the razor stuff!

Thanks for your encouragement and your kindness. It is greatly appreciated.

I wish you the best of luck in your participation in this wonderful community. At 30 years old, I've been part of several online communities, centered around one subject or another. This is by far the most helpful & friendly bunch I've encountered on the internet! ...And every gentleman is allowed to be a bit of a grouch every once in a while (a bit of that in that "one" thread discussing a certain brand of razors).

I tend to be long winded on here, so I'll try to wrap it up.

I'd try to make (then mail it to you) what would be a crappy attempt at replacement scales for your W&B, but I lack the tooling to do it effectively. I notice that you are in Michigan. There are many members in your neck of the woods, and I'm sure some will be along shortly. They would do a better job of making scales to fit your favorite shaver, and maybe they could sit down in front of the computer with you to help with the site!

Sincerely,
Crawler/Chris R.

Crawler: Thanks for your kindness to reply to my shaky thought process. At 71 my mind says "I can do that!" but my body is quiet emphatic about me and my ideas of what I am telling it to do.
Since being here I have taken more interest in the blades I have, and yesterday I found one I had forgotten about. I have tried to track some down and so far only the "Ward & Butcher" and the "Joseph Allen and Sons".
My adventure into the world of the straight razor I am concluding started Post Viet Nam Era Conflict. Maybe eight years after. My wife would drag me off to these antique shows. I enjoyed looking at things my grandparents used. My wife collected and I looked, so one day at an Antique Fair I found the Ward & Butcher. Paid one dollar for it. Since the scales broke, I pulled the blade and put it to bed with camolie (sp) oil. The blade is rather rough, especially the edges of the spine. I am guessing it belonged to a barber and the spine shows he must have sharpened frequently. It is still useable without the scales, but I don't particularly use it. Am contemplating layering some electricians tape on the spine and sharpen. I run seven and my sharpening time is usually in the distance. All stropped when they have shave once I use food grade diatamacious (sp)spread on the linin, because of the similarity of the sharpening powder.
My computer is getting funky. Have to stop.

Well Glock,welcome to SRP The fellas have all said it pretty much but I like your view on dialog engagement. It's hard in this day and age to converse with a lot of folks without getting into arguing points it seems....sign O the times I guess. I'm not old but at 53 my body is starting to rebel so I can relate a bit also. As for the computer glitches and all well.........technology stinks ha ha but, I guess we must eat what's on our plate as it were. Your meeting some of the best folks on the planet right here so enjoy the ride learn,learn ,learn and as our founder says often........Have fun.........cause you will. Cheers !:chapeau

Hi and welcome. Sounds like you could share a few things with us after shaving with a straight for that long. Always something new to find on here to help with a better shave so sure that you will find something of interest.

Hi Tom, welcome aboard enjoy the forum the place is full of the most friendly helpful of people who will become good friends in time.

Hello Glock27, welcome to SRP. I'm your age, but am still working 60 hours/week, and am also a Vietnam vet. Although I used a DE for over 50 years, I've only used a straight for the past couple of years, and have learned a great deal from the very knowledgeable gentlemen on this forum. Hopefully, you'll get some new scales on your favorite razor soon.

Welcome to the forum.

Thank your for your kindness in the welcome. Glock27

It will be impossible for me to thank everyone on this site for their kindness submitted to me. I appreciate your time and effort to reach out and welcome me. If I do not respond to everyone please forgive my negligence, but I would simply not be able to respond, I think each of you could agree. So I thank you all collectively.

You won't be the only one with a beard, and, who shaves with a straight. It's tough being 18 years old and trapped in an old man's body...I bet you earned it. Welcome.

Well G-27, I 'know' you from the tobacco pipe thread. A belated welcome to SRP, and Tom ......... 71 ain't old .......... if you're a tree ! :)

I guess using a straight razor must require one to attain some barber schooling. I have been doing it for at least 40 years with little or no instruction. I have read a bit and still do. Currently I have to be two handed in steadying my hands to shave with it hoping not to nick the wrong spot on my neck. I proclaim no expertise in the use of the instrument nor its strop. I have already received some subtle corrections which hurts. Being made fun of is not fun, ergo I am close to wanting to leave the site. I am not a fighter and not much of a lover. I guess I might be a jack of some trades and a master of none. From some remarks to my posts kind of makes me feel a bit foolish, or maybe I read between the lines too much. Thank you for your kindly reply. It is appreciated.

Ha, ha! Thank you for the kindness.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Glock27

I guess using a straight razor must require one to attain some barber schooling. I have been doing it for at least 40 years with little or no instruction. I have read a bit and still do. Currently I have to be two handed in steadying my hands to shave with it hoping not to nick the wrong spot on my neck. I proclaim no expertise in the use of the instrument nor its strop. I have already received some subtle corrections which hurts. Being made fun of is not fun, ergo I am close to wanting to leave the site. I am not a fighter and not much of a lover. I guess I might be a jack of some trades and a master of none. From some remarks to my posts kind of makes me feel a bit foolish, or maybe I read between the lines too much. Thank you for your kindly reply. It is appreciated.

---

No offense meant Tom. I'm 67 myself, and that is near about old. I never joke with people I don't like, so that means you're one of the good guys in my book. We are all still learning when it comes to shaving with these things, honing, and stropping as well. The joy is in the journey.

Please forgive me Jimmy, but my remark was not oriented to you, it was merely an expression of feeling, nothing you said, zero, it comes from another source. I must remember that some comments and remarks I must be careful of. Narrating on a computer is fare different than an eye to eye conversation wherein you can interpret the content and intent of the message. I attempt to be as careful as I can to avoid injecting something someone might find to be offensive, or stupid, or irrational. Thank you for your kind concern. I must be a bit extra sensitive today. it has been a hard morning and I have tasks I must do, but just do not have the energy drive, or interest in doing, but it's gotta be done.

When it comes to writing in posts, some people may mean well but cannot communicate it properly or just use the internet as a way to be a dick. This happens just about everywhere on the internet. My philosophy is pretty simple. If someone is an idiot or mean, ignore them. There's no reason they should have any effect on you. Sometimes people will be "experts" on something and then there are experts. If there is something specific that you have a concern about, PM me and I will give you my email address. Not that I can do anything about it other than give you my opinion. Sometimes another set of eyes can be helpful.

I have seen you mention diatomaceous earth. I have never heard of anyone using it on this site and some people have addressed your concerns about it and how it performs compared to CrOx, in my opinion, inadequately. There's only really a couple options.

1) It works for you, continue to use it. That is all that truly matters.

2) If you would like to try it and buy some to compare. I would recommend the crayon. You should also post your findings. More knowledge is never a bad thing.

I will see if I can try it out myself this weekend and how it affects edges.

Dinner Mint: Thank you for your kindly reply. In reflection it just may be my age. Crabby old man. Some people my age are doing marathons, scuba diving, iron work. I go out to the store and I see people as old as me or older working and I berate myself for not doing. I go out an do as if I were 24 again then I pay for it, my how I pay for it. I watch my wife. She is 74 and she can whip my butt. She is a fine Energizer Bunny, yet she shares the pain she feels as if being drug through a windmill backwards. I cannot keep up with her.
Now the diatomaceous earth. As I said I cannot confirm it in any way. I stumbled upon it because I purchased a small container, about an ounce in volume. I thought, that is like diatomaceous earth. I happened to have some so I tried it. I think it works but have no way of evaluating it. It cost far less than the tiny vile I received for $9 plus.
As to my knowledge, I really have none. I just shave, and try to stay within my pocket book.
Again, thank you for your kindness.
P.S. Can you tell me what "Go Advanced" is on the reply section which I am in now.

It is not a problem at all and you are very welcome. There's not enough kindness in this fast paced, technology focused world.

At the end of the day, the most important way to evaluate anything involved with straights is shaving with them. Staying within a tight budget is a very respectable endeavor. Many gems have been found in antique stores for very cheap. You may want to read through the "Butchered Blade" thread to see some incredible things that people have done with poorly treated razors.

The "Go Advanced" takes you to a screen that has more options above the box that you type into. I never use it. I typically use the green "+ Reply to Thread" button at the bottom of the page or I will use "Reply with Quote" that shows up at the bottom of a specific post if I am going to respond to something someone else wrote.

One thing I forgot to mention in my previous post. You also referenced a "50,000" grit hone. As far as I am aware, there are no hones produced or mined that would be rated that highly. Whether the seller swindled you, didn't know what they were selling or was swindled themselves doesn't really matter. If you can take a picture of the stone, it may help people to identify what you actually have. On the other hand, if it works as a finisher or pre-finisher, it doesn't really matter what the name or grit rating is.

Dinner Mint: Thank you for the response. I guess I always felt a bit odd about a 50,000 grit. Kind of feel foolish having mentioned it, even the jacking around about the Arkansas stones I purchased. guess I don't even know if they are really Arkansas stones or not. I simply assume it is because it is labeled as such. Guess I should just keep my narrative shut. I have no expertise about straight razors or its accouterments. Despite my years of using one I never ventured into any in-depth study about them, I just use them to shave with, and I attempt at best to sharpen them. I must say that in my beginnings I really had a difficult time in sharpening one. An old alumni friend was a barber and he explained to me how he was taught in barber school, and from there my blades did sharpen up. Then I recognized I needed stones to get them to a higher level of sharpness. I went Japanese stones; even with them I had a time of getting them sharp. All of my sharpening is by instinct rather than any particular educated skill. I don't know how my grandfather achieved it, but he would use a peddle powered wheel of some kind of stone. He sharpened everything with that grinding stone.
I also use lapping film in my sharpening. It is the last few steps before stropping them. I get the paper from "www.BestSharpeningStones.Com". They have a little insert that identifies the grit of the colors and there are pictures of microscopic results. According to them these lapping films produce the best possible edge, however, how does one know how many strokes should be applied? Again, I just go by intuition.
Thanks for your support and kindness. IT is much appreciated.

But you're here now, so you'll definitely learn more about them. That is the purpose of this forum. To learn about razors, maintain that knowledge and help those with using them. I wouldn't feel foolish about mentioning it, if you can gain more knowledge about the stone, it could help you achieve better edges. If your stones are marked as Arkansas stones, they probably are. However, I don't have any experience with those stones. Your best bet for identifying hones is to post pictures of them. If you have any problems, I can help you with that. I would argue strongly against keeping your trap shut. Just from what you have mentioned in your previous post, you work harder on your edges than many here.

However, having japanese stones is pretty nice. There are quite a few very knowledgeable people with regards to japanese stones. I have not purchased one and am hesitant about jumping into that rabbit hole.

Many people on here will use a loupe of 40x to 60x to monitor the scratch marks on the bevel. Once all the striations from the previous stone are removed while using the current stone, then proceed to the next step in your process. However, it is not necessary. Knowing how your razors react on your stones can be just as good, if not better than using a loupe. One other method I use to determine when I am finished with a stone, is water running up the blade with little to no pressure. This shows that there is a little gap between the blade and the stone, that no water can pass through.

Lapping film has been used with success by people on here as well. As far as quantity of laps, that will really depend on the razor itself and the previous stones used. However, your intuition is probably good through years of shaving with your own edges.

You have an impressive array of sharpening accessories and enough knowledge to use them. Don't sell yourself short.

You are very welcome and smooth shaves to you!

Dinner Mint: Be careful of your replies to me. I could become rather annoying and irritating. I shall assume a good night.