New to Forum from Miami HELP!

Hey guys, name is Adrian and I've been shaving with a disposible straight blade for a while. Wanted to switch over to real thing so bought a vintage blade. Bought myself the sharpening stone and the strop but nothing I do works.

Girlfriend then gets me this AP Donovan blade which was nice at first but then got dull after a couple of shaves. Again I cant seem to fix it on my own. Since then the blade now look nasty as it has collected some spot and some rust on the tip of the tang.

Can't seem to find anyone in SFL who hones and sharpens. My barbers doesn't know anyone either.

Can someone help? Feel bad my girl got me a thoughtful gift that I like and I cant use.

Thanks.

Adrian

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

The Donovan razors on Amazon I have seen look cheaply-made but priced high. I seriously doubt they are worth the effort. I don't mean to offend your or your girlfriend, but the Donovan razor kits look like fancied up Chinese or Pakistani razors.

You would be much better off purchasing a vintage razor form the Buy/Sell/Trade section here at SRP or from a reputable vendor like Straight Razor Designs.

Welcome Adrian-

It may well be the quality of the razor. AP Donovan seems not to be a very well regarded brand. While her intentions were great, she might not have gotten you the best razor to start with. I'd suggest starting with a better choice, but others may have a different opinion. Check out this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/site-...p-donovan.html

Look at the razors in the Buy/Sell/Trade section of the forum and ask advice before you buy another.

Harold

Yeah I was figuring as much. Poor thing didn't have a clue was just trying to be thoughtful. I want to post a pic of the vintage blade I had bought and maybe you guys can tell me if that one is worth restoring. Thanks for the quick replies.

Adrian

Hi and welcome. Here is a member search for Miami. Try PMing one of the senior members. They might be able to help you out.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order=

And local help list

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...php/Local_Help

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adrn005

Yeah I was figuring as much. Poor thing didn't have a clue was just trying to be thoughtful. I want to post a pic of the vintage blade I had bought and maybe you guys can tell me if that one is worth restoring. Thanks for the quick replies.

Adrian

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Hey, it's a beginning! Lots of us have bought things that have turned out not to be as expected/hoped.

When you post pictures of your vintage buy, try to get some close-ups of any identifying maker's marks or engravings, as well as profile shots so the spine and edge can be seen re: wear, smile or frown, etc. And welcome again! Hang in there!

As ive read many times here, PIC's. Or it didnt happen. Ha.
Welcome to the best place to ask questions and learn a great way to shave. Be sure to get in touch with a member and learn. Honing is not something you should be trying to learn just yet. Learn to shave and lather properly first. Its fun and takes time to learn. Glad to have you here. Tell the girlfriend thank you but point her in the right direction to buy you a good razor. A good razor dont have to be pricey or pertty.

Welcome, Adrian. Glad to have ya.
Harold's on the money, and Eddy's, got your back.
Take the advice, and search for local help.

Welcome to SRP!!
Some great folks and a mess of great info too.

Use the advise given these guys are here to helpl

Hey Adrian, I see you mentioned a vintage straight and that you want to post pics. I bet certainly that if you get a pic posted we will be able to help you. Also what hone do you have? That maybe part of your problem trying to get your blade shave ready. If you need help getting pics posted pm one of us and we can gladly walk you through it.

The AP Donovan, appears to be a re branded Titan, which many believe is a re branded Gold Dollar. While I have not honed any Donovan’s, I have honed Titans and Gold Dollars.

They can be made to shave but must be repaired first, and then will still have clunky wood scales.

If the Donovan was never properly honed, it is not surprising that it is not shaving now.

Post photos of your vintage razor. Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum. :)