Thread: Newb. from Missouri

Hey all,

I have been shaving with a straight razor for about a month now. I have been using a straight I found and a brush that has been used for dusting. The razor has a chip that keeps appearing. I finally gave up removing it and just try to avoid it while shaving. I have been saving for a Murray Carter Japanese straight. My equipment is pretty much wore out. I have decided to get a full set from SRD instead of just a razor. I have a very nice set coming. It may be to nice for a newb(6/8 Bismarck bone). I have some sort of sickness where I keep sharpening always looking for sharper. I am hoping the Bismarck with all the gold platting will keep me from doing this. I am hoping stropping is all that is needed for awhile.
Everything should be here soon! I am really looking forward to next shave. I have been cruising around forum and found answers to questions I haven't thought of yet. See ya later, Kev

Hello Kevlar,

So has your new set from SRD come yet? You'll have to let us know how that's working out for you and how your shaves are progressing.

I've been shaving with straights for about a month myself and things are finally starting to come together for me. I've finally gotten to the point to where my straight shaves are better than any I got from a cartridge, and yet I can see how I can get even better at it with improvements in my technique.

So how are things going for you?

-Mark

Welcome to SRP!

One qustion: Why save for a Murray Carter Japanese-style straight when you could get one that's actually Japanese for considerably less money?

hey,

Yes, everything arrived safe. Everything is top notch. The DOVO "BISMARCK" BONE 6/8" is much bigger than I imagined(I like). I am up to 10 shaves. I did not do anything to the razor. It started out a little rough. After some experimenting I realized I was holding the razor to flat. At the end of my shave it was almost driving itself.


I don't really use strops, never used a hanging strop. After about 10 strokes I noticed my razor was dull. I then went and got my 6000 grit water stone and a some newspaper. I stropped on stone and then newspaper. I was very relieved when it would pass the HHT. I need much practice with the hanging strop! I am also starting to see some nice results. This art of shaving is getting more enjoyable with every shave. Thats it for now.


Kev

Originally Posted by JimR

Welcome to SRP!

One qustion: Why save for a Murray Carter Japanese-style straight when you could get one that's actually Japanese for considerably less money?

Are you referring to Iwasaki Kamisori at SRD? I have been admiring that one along with the Mastro Livi ATS 34. Murray Carter razor is Hitachi white steel #1 and Gokunantetsu laminate. That just has to be a winner. i am still not sure what the difference is a Omote-Ura and the Murray Carter kataha? I would think 17th generation Yoshimoto Bladesmith would be considered actual Japanese, if not, very close. With his awesome ironwood handles,Laminated steel, Murrays inside curve is forged in not ground. Hammer marks only in inside curve,(that has to look cool!)

For now I am happy with my Bismarck. I would like to get much more comfortable with what I have before moving on to something different. Later!

KEV

Originally Posted by Kevlar

I don't really use strops, never used a hanging strop

Hi Kev,

Might I suggest that you consider stropping your blade once per shave. Stropping serves a different purpose than honing, and a razor would never truly be considered "shave ready" just by honing. When member/vendors send out shave ready razors, they've stropped it once after honing has been completed before shipping.

There are two videos on the main page by AFDavis11. He also has a comment in this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...s-shaving.html where he gives this gem of a remark: "The hone is for the demise of your whiskers, the strop is for the comfort of your face. Don't neglect your skill with either."

I offer this as something you should seriously consider.

-Mark

Mark,

Thanks for the link. After looking around,Almost everyone agrees on stropping. i see this as a worthwhile skill to learn. I am adding it to my shaving regime. My shaving has come far in the aspect of cuts and knicks, but in comfort, well, it's getting better. Being a complete newb at stropping with a hanging strop, my results should do nothing but improve.

Kev