Thread: Hello from Indiana

Originally Posted by slim6596

Holy cow. I don't foresee that level of aquistition disorder in my future.

You ever want to "thin the herd", let me know please. I'm in the market for a backup razor, a real strop, and apparently some hones because the lapping films I bought off Amazon were subpar quality (abrasive level didn't last). I'll most likely try more films first due to space considerations in the truck and because I have to take my stuff back out of the truck when I go home every week (someone else drives it on my days off).

Slim:I have several hones but also use and like film. I recomend 3M Imperial Microfinishing Film (aluminum oxide) 3 mil a fast cutting film I use before the blade is ready for the polishing
film. I'm not sure where I got it. Next i go to film I buy from Tools For Working Wood; 1st 3M Micro Abrasive Film 1 Aluminum Oxide PSA which is 22,000 grit. Their part # is ST-MAF.01APSA10. If i really want to get crazy I then use #M Micro Abrasive Film .3 Aluminum Oxide-PSA, part # ST-MAF.003APSA10 which is 80,000 grit. I use these last tw0 for about 3 razors then change them out. I put them on plate glass. If you care to send me your address I will send you some so you can see if these fit you expectations.

3 pass straight shave and a token DE cleanup pass, rinsed and added a splash of Thayers.. BBS? Yep.

Nice...........

Spider Robinson finished an incomplete Robert Heinlein book, Variable Star I think it was called. Even narrated it for the audiobook version. I liked it.

Originally Posted by slim6596

Spider Robinson finished an incomplete Robert Heinlein book, Variable Star I think it was called. Even narrated it for the audiobook version. I liked it.

My son and I used to read the Callahan’s Cross Time Saloon series alternatively with Dr. Seuss at bedtime.

As far as brushes go, I never really thought about getting something other than what I have been using for the last 7 years or so...

Looks like a floppy soft badger brush. Not a bad place to start. Look into an Omega Boar brush next. Low cost and much more backbone. And after its broken-in it will get softer tips and build lather quicker.



Enablers strike again!

So, what you're saying is that it's a NEED not a WANT? I NEED to make better lather, so the old bargain basement badger is out, something new is in. Gotcha, driver.

Slim, welcome.

With lapping film, the flatness of the substrate can make a difference in performance. Glass is not as flat as folks think and can be lapped flat-er with a Diamond plate, 300-400 or with 220-600 wet and dry paper on a flat surface.

It cuts easily and quickly, leave a matt finish that works better for the film to stick to, with just plain water. It will also be more efficient as most all the grit will contact the edge.

If you use a piece of copy paper on the final grit, (I like 1um, about 14-15k grit) you will get a nice edge, I find .3um too harsh. Also, a micro bevel will make your paper last longer and easier to touch up, just add an extra piece of tape on the spine and do 3-5 laps.

The biggest mistake folks make with diamonds and lapping film is using too much pressure.

I buy 12x3 glass tiles from Lowes or Home Depot for about $5, film from Thor Labs.

A $20 King 1k and 5 &1um film, will keep you shaving well, for a long time.

Welcome Slim. Can't emphasize stropping enough but mainly learn good habits/technique. Bad form.is hard to un-learn. For instance I roll my wrist when I strop. Have been doing it that way for so many years I just can't seem to correct it. Fortunately (I think) that is not paramount. I'm sure I will hear from others who disagree but I have made it work. It takes a long time to get it really down for maintenance, even longer to be able to correct or refresh but once you do you won't use the stones or film anywhere near as much. Get some cloth strips, especially linen and you will hardly ever touch stones once a razor is bevelset and honed correctly. Watch lots of videos and keep an open mind. Have fun with it and don't bite off too much at once. You'll be an old hand before you know it.