Thread: Hi from Brisbane, Australia

There are some nice looking reconditioned vintage razors in the classifieds, as well as links to places that sell quality brand new items. The real question is: how much do you want to spend?

Originally Posted by Havachat45

That's true.
I'm using one of them as a knife in my workshop 'cause I can't get a shaving edge on it.
The other one is barely OK so I am persevering with it until I get my real ones done.
And that's another thing - is the leather side of a strop supposed to stretch easily - the one I have does?
Would 2000 grit sandpaper tidy up the thick side of a strop to what it is supposed to be?
My strop (purchased from the same place as the 'titanium' razors has a very thick, natural coloured side and a thin, black side.
Maybe I should go for a ride to see Mick and find out what a real strop looks like.

Leather shouldn't stretch "easily" if its cut properly along the spine.
I think all you'll do with 2k is impregnate the strop with grit. Personally I use diamond plates. Less likely to give up particles but if I was gonna use paper I'd go pretty coarse like 60 - 180 grit at least you could likely see the grit & brush it off but I don't like fine papers on leather. YMMV.
Mick's strops are good . Thin roo but that's not a disadvantage. I like my 2 very much.

As for suggestions for a first razor do lots of research but get a 2nd hand one in the grind you think will suit your beard. That way if you get it wrong it's easier to resell a $50 razor rather than a $200 razor. Also consider physical dimensions of the razor relative to your hands. You can most likely learn to use whatever you buy but if you have big hands, a slim tanged 4/8 razor may not be ideal to learn with.

To be honest, I'm really happy with the size and feel/balance of the GD that I have.
I have my eye on a couple of razors in the classifieds ATM
Jassianco & Co 11/16 - Straight Razor Place Classifieds and Oxford 11/16 - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
Both are from an Australian seller and are supposed to be 'shave ready' so either one should tell me how a straight is supposed to feel. I would appreciate your opinion as an experienced straight shaver.
I have diamond plates and will try the extra fine one on the strop - my issue is that I don't know how smooth or otherwise it is supposed to be.
Thanks again Oz.
Cheers,
Geoff

I really like how 11/16 is right in the middle of the 2 most recommended sizes 5/8 & 6/8
I'm sorry I have no experience with either of those 2 brands but you can't complain about the price.
Maybe flip a coin hehe.

I think you'll find the extra fine plate will clog if you use it for any heavy work but would be suitable as a final finish

I'm thinking I might get both of them as an initial rotation and add to them as I restore the old ones I have.
At least I'll have something to compare them to when I hone.
I am assuming from your reply that a strop needs to be smooth.

Originally Posted by Havachat45

I am assuming from your reply that a strop needs to be smooth.

Smoothish unless its linen