Thread: Question from a new guy in PA

Hey everybody<
I hope i'm posting in the right place i'm new to this. I really enjoy this site i've been reading for a while. I just picked up my first straight razor and after shaving with drug store junk for 20 years what an improvement. My only problem is I am having trouble getting my razor scary cut a hanging hair sharp (I do notice a slight drag while shaving) I made a paddle strop out of leather from Tandy and a strip of bass wood and did the same from some old jeans. My razor is a Germania Oxford if that helps. I hope this was not too long winded an I would appreciate any help. Thanks

Are you asking why your blade doesn't seem sharp? Has it been honed?

Hello Nightfish and welcome to SRP
This site has loads of info to help you with your new found hobby, so please read the wiki and feel free to ask any questions.
Check out these for starters http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ay-2011-a.html
Good luck and enjoy

Ace,
When I got it from the flea market it was "good knife sharp" I worked on it with my home made strop (I am currently not working due to a upcoming operation on my back and on a very tight budget) and I got it to the point where I could shave with it, although not as comfortably as I would like, but it seems now no matter how much i strop it I cannot get it any sharper.

Nightfish,
At first guess it will need honing.
Check these Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

welcome to srp and good luck on your jurney with straights, feel free to ask as many questions as you need to.

stropping dosent sharpen it it just refines the edge once its sharp, send it out to get honed and you will be good for a few months, by that time you could get a barbers hone and touch up your edges indefinitaly.