Thread: Hello From Minneapolis

Hey all!

I am just starting to get into straight edge razors and constantly seeking advice and info. Upon my searches I found this resource and by far it has been the best! So thanks to all of you who have taken the time to post your knowledge and already answered some of my looming questions

I started shaving with a straight edge about 3 months ago using a basic Dovo 5/8 razor and am now looking to purchase my second razor with a strop. I found some interesting pairings on the SRD website but am lost as far as picking the right second razor and what strop to go along with it (the strop is less of an issue). I have no idea what I am looking for with all of the choices out there, so any recommendations would be appreciated. I know that I am looking to spend less than $200 for the pair and I would like an upgrade from the razor I have now.

Also, for anyone who lives in the Twin Cities area, are there any recommendations for a place to get my first razor honed? I never had it pre-honed and have read that I should have had that done. Looking online I can find a few places that do knives but I would like to make sure the place I go is good with razors.

Thanks in advance!
Nate from MN

Welcome to SRP. First question for you, have you been shaving the last 3 months without a strop for your razor? As for advice on a second razor purchase, I don't think you can go wrong with anyone you choose from SRD. All razors sold by then come professionaly honed by Lynn himself and come with a certificate for free second future honing. I don't think you should take your current razor to a knife shop to be honed, I see bad things happening there. Sharpening a knife and honing a straight razor are two completely different ball games. Check the Members Services here in the "Classifieds" section of the forum and you will find a few members who offer honing services at a fair price. Hope this helps.

I know it is a bad thing but I am just now figuring out that I need to strop. So yes I have been using a razor for about 3 months without it being pre-honed or stropped. I know shame on me but you have to learn somewhere right! I am planning on making an order soon so I can use the new razor and get the old one tuned up! Thanks for the reply.

Welcome to SRP from a fellow Minnesotan!

Originally Posted by stonen

I can find a few places that do knives but I would like to make sure the place I go is good with razors.

DO NOT take your razor to a knife shop. Your best bet would be to send a PM to randydance062449 and see if he can help you with it (Randy lives in St. Paul), or else send it out to someone listed in the member services in the classifieds.

Originally Posted by HNSB

Welcome to SRP from a fellow Minnesotan!

Thanks for the welcome. I'll send out a PM over the weekend. Thanks for the info!

Hello! Welcome to SRP. I have to agree with the above and strongly warn against taking the razor to a knife sharpening service. And yes, you need to strop for 30-50- roundtrip laps just before each and every shave. I will send you a PM with my phone, address etc and we can get together and take care of your first razor etc, no charge. I will also add you to my SRP Minnesota database so you will be notified of upcoming Razor Meets that we have from time to time.

Talk with you later,

You can get a great professionally honed razor and strop from Straight Razor Design that would be well within your budget. Look them up.

Thanks For all of the help and a big thanks to Randydance for helping me learn a few things in person! I ended up ordering a set from SRD on Thursday the 31st and I already have the strop and razor in-hand at home.

Thanks again!