New Member From Texas - with questions

I got started with wet-or-dry sandpaper. It's available at auto body shops from 400 grit (for rough work) to 2000 grit (the next step after setting the bevel with 1000 grit). Glue or tape the paper to a flat surface -- glass, stone, or plastic.

You must bridge the gap from 2000 grit to some kind of finishing stone -- usually either:

. . . a barber hone (available used for around $20), or

. . . SiCarbide "micro-abrasive film", or

. . . a pasted strop with CrOxide (around 0.5 micron, very roughly 30K grit).

I believe SiCarbide film can be had in 5 micron grit, finer than 2000-grit paper.

I was able to get shave-ready edges (not _really fine_ edges, but quite usable) using 2K wet-or-dry, 5 micron micro-abrasive film, and a CrOxide pasted strop.

As far as I know, this is the cheapest way to _start_ honing, if you expect to do any restoration. The Wiki reference:

Using micro abrasive film - Straight Razor Place Wiki

As I was warned would happen, pretty soon I bought a set of Norton 220/1K and 4K/8K stones.

If you want to maintain an already-sharp razor forever, all you need is a barber hone. Check the Classifieds, WhippedDog, and (if you're brave) eBay.

Charles

Charles,
Thank you, this was all good information.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tuxdev

Hello all, checking in from the Lubbock, Texas area. I am new to SRP and trying to learn more about straight razor shaving. I have been given a razor, but I have yet to get it shave ready.
I would like to share pictures of my razor and pose a few questions.
....snip...

I have picked up some Van Der Hagen soap and a Van Der Hagen boar brush (again minimal $$), these combined with a large coffee mug and I am ready to get after it.

Thanks in advance for advice/comments.

P.S. If anyone knows of someone in the Lubbock, TX area that does professional razor honing, please sound off.

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Welcome.

Have you found this link for beginners:
Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Tell us what you shave with now.

The Van Der Hagen soap and brush will get you well down the road.
Keep an eye out for Williams shave soap. Not so much because it
is good but because it will teach you a lot for a $1.50 or so. Shave prep
is a big part of shaving with any blade so have at it. While you can
shave but once a day you can practice "latherin" a lot.

I would like to thank everyone for their useful advice and tips (and Lynn for his humor), including the private messages I have received.

Yes, I have been perusing the valuable wiki articles including:
Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki
and
Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I have also made arrangements to have my razor honed professionally by a local professional. Once I get the razor back and find the work satisfactory, I'll post that information for anyone else in the Lubbock, TX region.

Looking forward to starting the SR learning path.

Well gentlemen, I have attempted a couple of partial shaves (working on easy spots for now) with the freshly honed razor and it seems to be a winner. The local guy I took it to did a good job and was very knowledgeable about all kinds of edges (e.g. straights, surgical tools, kitchen knives, scissors, ...).

Now all I have to do is figure out proper technique. I have received a few minor cuts at my own hands mostly during blade placement, not the actual shave. I'll eventually get there (I hope).

Again, thanks for suggestions/advice.