new member, currnetly in Japan

Hello, I am just getting started in trying out straight razor shaving. I recently purchased an inexpensive razor and a strop from a website(is it OK to say website names on here) and when I received it I did not know a thing about what I was looking at. As I soon discovered, through looking at what I bought and research online, what I bought turned out to be a rite-edge razor with the words china and stainless on the blade. I would soon discover that rite-edge is Chinese for duller than a baby spoon with the rubber coating on it. I am now waiting for some hones to come in the mail so I can practice honing with this blade. I hope that I can eventually get it shaving, because I like the way it looks. Anyway, in the meantime I won a Jonathan Crookes from EBAY today and it is supposed to be shave ready, I hope that is true because I want a blade I can shave with and that was the purpose of buying that razor. I saw that one and had to have it because I thought the tang stamp on it was awesome. Sorry in advance to whomever I outbid while they were distracted by the Super Bowl. Questions that I have so far...1) Will my diamond hones get a good shaving edge on my razor? I have a range from 320 grit all the way up to 8000 grit. Other than that, the strop I have has a canvas piece and a horsehide piece. The length and width both feel good to me, however I do not have anything to compare it to. I think it is 23-25"X3".
2) If I have a shave ready honed edge, can it be made un-shave ready by stopping, assuming decent technique is used? I think that will be all for this time. Looking forward to meeting and getting to know you all and learning from your wisdoms.
I already started using my brush and shave soap, as opposed to the stuff in the aerosol can. WOW what a difference. Thanks again for the information on this site that showed me how to make a lather!!

Hey there,

Welcome to the site from another in Yamaguchi.

1.) Yes and no. 8000 can give a decent shave, but you don't want to drop down to 320 on anything that isn't in terrible shape. If your razor is from a reputable seller, then your razor might be shave ready. If not, send it to me and I can help you out.

2.) If you mess up stropping, yeah, you can ruin an edge. If your razor won't shave at all, all the stropping in the world won't help you.

Where about in Yamaguchi are you? I am pretty stubborn about learning things I set my mind to, but I will let you know if I have trouble learning to hone. Thank you for the answers and the offer of help.

Hikari, not too far from you. I understand the desire to learn, good luck and if you need anything give me a private message.

Shot, 'Grats on taking the plunge into learning.

You have an unusual and VERY fortunate situation. With Jim nearby, you have the opportunity to learn methods that will remain a mystery to most shavers - the japanese naturals aren't the only good stones, but they ARE awesome. I can't say enough how good it would be for you to hook up with Jim. The opportunity to learn - and to have help selecting stones there is something most of us would jump through our navels for.

It might be worth it to get an inexpensive shave ready razor from one of the guys here on the forums, that way you are sure it will be sharp and make it easier to learn. Learning to hone is not hard but it takes a bit and again having a shave ready for comparison really helped me.

Hello and Welcome! I'd definately take Jim up on his offer to help. knowing your edge is honed by someone with experience will definately help you all the way along from shaving to honing your own. :gl: