Thread: Hello from Northern Alberta Canada

I have to admit this is the first time I have heard of using the Wicked Edge knife sharpener on a straight razor. I think I found the demo video you were talking about too. I guess it would work but seems a little complicated though for just a straight razor.

Speaking of first shaves, I would take a look at some of the articles in the "Helpful Links" section. I believe the recommendation is to go slowly and only shave from your side burn down to jawline on one side and finish with your normal method of shaving at first. You add other areas as you get comfortable with using a straight. Shaving your entire face the first time round is not really recommended but it can and has been done. I don't think I would advise that though.

Bob

I received my first straight razor yesterday. I was wondering what size this would be called? I had ordered what they called a 2/8, so I was expecting a 1/4 inch wide blade. I'm not disappointed by what I've got but just wondering?

"Widths and grinds

The width of the blade is traditionally measured in 8th (or 16th) of inch (a inch being equal to 25.4 mm). For instance, a razor with an 18 mm large blade is called a 5/8. Width vary from 3/8 to 8/8 (9.5 to 25.4 mm) or even 9/8, with 5/8 and 6/8 blades being the most common. "

From the Wiki: the Straight Razor

From the pics, it looks like a 3/8 half hollow. What's this Wicked Edge sharpener? I'm going to have to google this, but my first instinct has made my stomach roll over.

Originally Posted by Maxi

From the pics, it looks like a 3/8 half hollow. What's this Wicked Edge sharpener? I'm going to have to google this, but my first instinct has made my stomach roll over.

The following is the address for a video of Clay sharpening and stropping a straight razor. Although I am going to learn to use a strop and get myself a honing stone or two.
Videos - Sharpening a Straight Razor

I do have my Wicked Edge Pro Set and it does put a very sharp edge on a blade even with the 1000 diamond hones. Have to add the ceramic hones and additional strops for an even sharper edge. But I digress.

I am going to order the Modular Paddle from the Strop Shop along with some Chr Ox. The set comes with .5 diamond spray.

Tried a first shave this morning. All in all it went pretty good. I do need to have a strop to get a better edge as the blade quickly seemed to pull. Drew a little blood but still have all my facial flesh. Looking forward to this journey.

Another newbie here, Allthingsnew. Many thanks for asking these questions. There is a lot of helpful information in the responses.

Originally Posted by allthingsnew

Being an avid advocate of having sharp knives, I was wondering how many strops one needs in the pursuit of a good edge? And what is the purpose of the linen/fabric webbing of the strop? Do or can you apply diamond paste to it as well as the leather?

Welcome to SRP. Razors the quality of TI's will be easily maintained with a plain leather/linen strop combination. The linen component is partially sacrificial to protect the leather but it will clean & burnish the edge some. If you have an expensive leather strop linen makes a lot of sense.
You do not apply abrasives to your basic daily strop. That falls more into the realm of sharpening/refreshing in which case you need some dedicated strops. Diamond sprays on hard felt are popular but the principle about cats & skinning them applies here too.
I'd sugest you use the small trimmer for it's intended purpose. The 6/8 will be easier for a full shave but otherwise enjoy the challenge.

Well I received my first hand made Damascus 6/8 razor.



I have yet to shave with it. Supposed to be shave ready but as I have been reading in other blogs that has many meanings to many people.

I also got a paddle strop (Lynn's specials) with many pieces. I have a wool pad with 1.0 diamond spray, another with 0.5 diamond spray and a rough leather with Chr Ox. Did I do right?



I am waiting for some hones. Question: If you hone a razor with tape on the spine what do you do when you strop?

I forgot to mention that the Damascus is made from 15N20 and 1095 steel. I bought it on e-bay from tonbo68.

Originally Posted by allthingsnew

I forgot to mention that the Damascus is made from 15N20 and 1095 steel. I bought it on e-bay from tonbo68.

Umm...I don't know anything about that seller but...most experiences have been that any of the damascus blades purchased on ebay aren't really up to snuff...hope it works out for you