Thread: Returning to Straights

Hi, my name is Aubrey Granner.

I tried, after reading this site, to get started with straights about two years ago. I bought a CT&E brush and cream (still my favorite, haven't found a soup that lathers well here in Chicago), a Dovo 5/8 "shave-ready" from Vintage Blades, and a beginner's strop from Well Shaved Gentleman. It went well for a few weeks. The usual newbie issues.

Then I got a C12K and when I tried to use it, the blade wouldn't sit flat. So honing didn't work and I tried every trick short of getting a courser stone. The shaves got worse and worse and finally I gave up and grew a beard.

Well now I'm back after two years. I set a basic bevel on a courser stone (unknown) and polished it with the 12K. It still doesn't sit flat but if I put just enough pressure I can get one side of the edge down to the stone from about half-way to the tip. So that's the part of the blade I try to read. In the mean time I'm going to get a razor from the classifieds.

This time around I'm going to be more patient and focus on my technique with the strop and shave. I'm not going to expect BBS try to shave every day. It's tough for beginners to know when the razor needs attention, so I'm just going to keep assuming it's me until I can't stand it anymore before I try to learn how to hone. Or maybe I'll get some paste for the rough side of my strop.

Anyway, looking forward to getting going again.

Welcome back to straight shaving Aubrey!

I'm glad you were able to get the edge fixed up on your razor. It's odd that it wouldn't sit flat... Is the razor bent, or does your 12k need a lapping?

You won't go wrong with a razor from the classifieds, and you might want to send that Dovo out to a honemeister to take a look at.

Don't hesitate to ask any questions that arise as you get back into things.

Welcome back to srp.
i will help you to make warped blade shave ready.You can buy from classified and start to shaving until this blade will get back to you.
if you accept this helps send me pm i let you know my mailing address.
OOps i should mention this is only help no money involved you have to pay for return package with postal stamp
gl

Welcome back to straight razor shaving and to SRP. Take hi_bud's generous offer to hone your Dovo. He is expert and will have the razor shaving for you in no time. Learning to hone takes a bit of doing and having a pro honed razor will give you something to compare to when you are trying to hone something else that you pick up.

Aubrey,

Welcome back

I think one of the biggest challenges to new users of straights is the maintenance of their edges in the medium to long term.

Learning to hone is a challenge, and one that I have started down in the last few months. Like yourself I have had some problems , but working through them is most satisfying as is shaving with a blade that you have honed yourself

For the first year I sent my blades to reliable people to have them honed, and I think that is the route that most people take initially.

Just enjoy the straight experience !



Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Hello, Aubrey:

Welcome back. With hi_bud, a master, ready to hone your razor, you're just about set to go. The rest will take patience and care as you focus on skill and technique. Here is to the good times to come.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Welcome back to srp.
i will help you to make warped blade shave ready.You can buy from classified and start to shaving until this blade will get back to you.
if you accept this helps send me pm i let you know my mailing address.
OOps i should mention this is only help no money involved you have to pay for return package with postal stamp
gl

This is what I love about this site!

Welcome back Aubrey, and enjoy the straight razor journey!

This is posted somewhere else, but I thought I'd keep this thread up to date as well.

First problem: dull razor
Solution: bought a Genco from hi_bud. It shaves great. I intend to take a dozen or so passes, now that I get the x-stroke, on the Chinese 12K whenever it starts to pull/irritate. Hopefully, this will stay shave-ready for a long time. I can't thank hi_bud enough or recommend him too highly: a real pro.

My plan for the old Dovo is coat it in petroleum jelly and wait until I can afford a set of hones.

Second problem: bad soap
Solution: I threw out the CS sandalwood and ordered Mama Bear's. Should be here this week.

Third problem: cupped strop
Solution: I intend to order a Tony Miller 3" red Latigo with cotton and D-rings when he gets back from vacation. This will replace the "practice" strop I have now, which I might keep for pastes.

Every shave gets better. I'm really excited.

-- Aubrey