Thread: Hello.

Good evening gentlemen, (and ladies perhaps). I am a carpenter from Nova Scotia Canada, and I bought my first straight razor at a tattoo convention about a year and a half ago, it was the cheapest they had as I had never even seen one in person let alone used one. I love it. There is no going back to a multi bladed woosie whisker trimmer. Unfortunately I have since stropped my el cheapo razor pretty well to death. So I attempted honing it. (I am fairly adept at getting an edge on chisels) I honed and I honed and I think it is duller for my efforts. I have come to the conclusion that it is low quality steel. or my inexperience. So I come to you today for advice on a replacement, money is limited please bear that in mind. I know I can probably trust anything dovo or anything originating from Solingen or Sheffield, but in the name of convenience I am leaning in the direction of a 'shavette' I believe is what it is called with the replacement blades, pardon my ignorance if I am wrong. Unless you fine folks can steer me in a better direction.
Thanks,
Benjamin.

Hello Benjamin. Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

For straight razors you can probably get a nice vintage one from the Buy/Sell/Trade in the $50-75 range if you wait a bit. I've never used a shavette so I can't give you advice there. Double edge safety razors can be an economical route to take. You can often find vintage Gillettes dirt cheap at antique stores.

Hello Heritage91, Benjamin, and welcome to SRP!
You might want to start your search for a new razor right here in the buy/sell/trade section.
One piece of advise is to make sure the razor you settle on is shave ready. Most that are for sale here are, and are from long time straight razor shavers that you can trust.
Good luck in your search.

Pete <:-}

Welcome! There are neighbors near to you registered here. The library is vast fund of information. Do a search for Nova Scotia members.
Above all, have fun!
~Richard

Thanks, will definitely be looking for neighbors on here, I can imagine that fellow straight razor users from all walks of life could also have many other things in common. I have already perused the Buy/sell/trade section I feel like a kid in a candy store when I make my decision I will definitely make my purchase from a member.

Originally Posted by Geezer

Welcome! There are neighbors near to you registered here. The library is vast fund of information. Do a search for Nova Scotia members.
Above all, have fun!
~Richard

+1, and welcome to the forum.

Sharpening straights is akin to sharpening drill bits, in that it is very idiosyncratic and there is really no comparison to any other tool. If you are adept at sharpening knives, you likely will have no success with a straight, you may even destroy it. But, it is a skill that can be fairly easily learned with a good teacher and your willingness to start as if you know nothing about honing, despite the skills you may have a sharpening other tools.

Watch ton's of videos. Ask questions here. Try to find someone local that can show you the ropes.

I've never used a shavette, but I'm told they are less forgiving than a traditional straight.

Welcome and have fun.

Welcome to SRP, there's a lot of great folks and info here as you've seen. And the B/S/T area is a great place to get your next razor.
Enjoy and have fun!

Hi and welcome aboard. Honing does require some learning but ain't too hard. Try watching the vids by Gssixgun on YouTube and as said if there is someone close try for a meeting. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Hello and welcome Benjamin. Looks like the other fellas have pointed you in the right direction. If you should choose to go with a shavette there are lots of options. I went with one from Sally Beauty supply, I think it cost me $10. It worked very well. Know this a shavette is more likely to bite you than a straight IMO. I think going with a quality straight will get you along just fine best of luck keep reading and looking around also never hesitate to ask questions that's what we are here for.