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  1. #1
    Plays well with others! Link8382's Avatar
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    Default Hello from Arizona

    I have been curious about straight razors for a long time but mistakenly thought they didn't give a close shave. I have been reading a lot of the posts and watched a lot of videos on stropping, honing, and shaving. I understand there is a bit of a learning curve and a lot of patience is required but is it practical for a newbie to hone a straight razor to the point of being able to shave with it? I don't expect perfection, just to be proficient enough not to have to send it out for sharpening every couple months? Thanks for listening.

  2. #2
    Sharp as a spoon. ReardenSteel's Avatar
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    Welcome to SRP. You're right about the learning curve to learn how to just shave with a straight razor, let alone hone one. My advice would be to make sure you buy a "shave ready" razor from either the vendors here of from a member in the classifieds. Also, you'll need a strop. Straight Razor Designs sells a starter kit that includes a shave ready razor and strop. Proper stropping technique is an essential skill you'll need to develop to maintain your blade's edge. With proper stropping, your blade should not need to be honed for many months. For example, I had one razor that was my daily shaver that went almost a year before needing to be honed. So basically, I'm saying learn to shave and maintain your edge first and worry about learning to hone later. Yes, you could in theory and practice get a shave-able edge as a beginner, but why worry about that point of frustration just as you're getting started? As for the possible need of sending your razor out to be honed, that is why you need at least another (or 2 or 3 and let the RAD begin) razor to use while the first is being honed. I hope this helps and keep us posted of your progress.
    Why doesn't the taco truck drive around the neighborhood selling tacos & margaritas???

  3. #3
    Plays well with others! Link8382's Avatar
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    Default

    Thanks for the advice, I plan on purchasing a new Dovo beginner model and I will have it honed and stropped prior to shipping. I will purchase a new good quality strop as well and hopefully I won't mess up the edge learning the proper strop technique. I haven't used a shaving mug and brush for years and look forward to going back to it. It would be nice to slow down a bit and enjoy a great shave.

  4. #4
    < Banned User >
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    Default

    your off to a good start by the sounds of it....let us know how the adventure goes

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