Thread: New to the Straight Edge, Wanted to say Hi

Hello,

I was lucky enough to be gifted my first straight edge razor about a month ago. I was visiting family in Poland, when my grandfather in law gave me a Bartmann High Class 504. He told me that it was around 70 years old. The blade looks good with no rust and only some bluing. I did some research and purchased a finishing stone, strop, and some chromox. I managed to get the blade sharp enough to cut arm hair so I started using it to shave on a daily basis.

I am enjoying the new way of shaving, I am still learning how to not overdue my neck area as I seem to be using too much pressure or something as I am getting light razor burn on each shave. Thanks for the support so far and I am looking forward to learning more about the hobby.

Welcome. Very nice razor to be gifted. Honeing or touching up a razor is nothing like a knife. You nay get it to shave but not at 100%. Send it out for a professional honeing. Then you will know what a great shave really is.
Read the library and ask questions. Great bunch here with tons of knowledge.

Would advise sending it out to be honed just so you know how it should shave with the right edge. depending on what finishing stone you have I would request to get it finished with similar stone if possible so get general idea of what you should be getting

It sounds like you are off to a great start. If you are interested, I will hone your razor for the cost of return postage. I will examine your edge under a microscope and give you feedback on your honing. If you'd like, I can make a video of your edge so that you can see its exact condition.

What finishing hone did you get?

I purchased a Naniwa 12k and a flattening stone, followed the directions for the flattening stone prior to honing the blade. At that point I began 12 passes on the stone, 20~ on the chromox / poly web, 50 strops on leather. I would certainly appreciate expert input on this routine and with this blade. Seeing the razor is an heirloom, it would be best for me to keep it professionally maintained.

@Utopian,
I would definitely like to take you up on this offer if it is not too much trouble. I do not have anything to compare the blade to currently, however in the mail is a Portland Razor Company Leviathan that should arrive tomorrow. From the reviews I have read the new razor will arrive ready to go out of the box. At that point I would have a better point of reference.

I will PM you information in a little while when I get to a computer.
If you do consider this to be an heirloom, then you might be better served by setting it aside for a few months. Let some other razor be used while you learn the various ways that a razor can be destroyed!

Welcome to SRP!!!
A lot of great folks, as you've seen, and info here.
Take the advice given about waiting to use it, use the one you have coming. Utopian will hone your razor to a proper edge, then wait until you get the hang of SR shaving to use it.
Remember, only shave the lather, no pressure needed with a properly honed razor.
Check out the library a lot of info there
Enjoy and have fun!!!!!

Thank you for the info and advice, I am going to set it aside once the new razor comes in. I took a few pictures of it .. here it is ..Attachment 272354

Hello and welcome to SRP.
Absolutely the first step is to have your razor honed professionally.
If it were me I would even have the edge of the Portland razor looked at. A lot of manufacturers claim shave ready. Some are and some aren't even close. Of course most of us here that have been shaving a while have developed super high standards when it comes to a razors edge.
Watch as many video's as you can on shaving, stropping and honing. The video by our founder Lynn Abrams is a must. When it comes to shaving, slow and steady wins, and above all, stay in your comfort zone.
Enjoy your time here on the forum and have fun.

Pete <:-}

When it comes to SR shaving, slow and steady applies to everything!

Set the vintage aside and look for something more recent (and less valuable). One of our Europe based mentors may be able to help you.

As far as pressure when shaving, the key thought is "shave the lather, not the face". It cautions you to skim over the lather gently while only lightly touching your skin. If the razor is truly shave ready, it works!

Welcome!