Originally Posted by
jhenry
Don,
As a followup to your specific questions:
Q: Would starting with a Uberlather(sp?) for a first shave a good idea?
A: Its a good idea, but you don't need to do so. Just focus on creating a good lather from your VDH shaving soap and/or Castle Forbes Shaving cream initially. IMHO if you just use the CF for your first shave, you won't need to uberlather.
Q: What type of glycerin do I need? vegetable, USP? Is there a difference?
A: The kind of glycerin you get at the local drugstore will do just fine. Explain to the druggist that you want it for shaving. Otherwise he/she will think you are trying to make explosives.
Q: What is the best way to maintain my blade after a shave? do I put Mineral oil on it every time I finish shaving? Also, do I put it on the entire blade or just the Edge?
A: I've already answered mot of this question. I would apply the oil to the entire blade--after you strop it 15X on the fabric and 15x on the leather to facilitate the drying process and remove any residual gunk from the blade edge.
Q: If I want to use this SR as a "Daily" what kind of honing stones is recommended? I know most people use the 8k, but would a 12k(I think I read somewhere about it) have a better Effect?
A: I wouldn't purchase a hone at this point. Focus on your shaving technique. For blade sharpness maintenance, get a balsa strop and some Chromium Oxide paste. Apply the CroOx to the balsa strop. That will help you maintain the sharpness of the blade. Later, if you want to get a Norton 4k/8k for serious honing, that will be okay. You shouldn't need to hone your razor again--if it is already professionally honed--for 6 to 12 months from now.