Help, Please. Looking for a sharpening service

Hope this is the correct section for my topic. Being a real newby, if not please send me in the right direction.

If someone out there can help this new straight razor user I sure would be grateful. Although I'm mid 60, I just started using a straight razor off and on, about a month ago, and am hooked. I have 2 of my Grandpa's old razors and as you can imagine, they are in need of some help. I am proficient with a stone, hone and strop for knives, but am having a difficult time with these razors.

Some of my shaves come out fine, and just when I have built up some confidence, the next time I end up looking liked I was in a chain saw fight and couldn't get mine started. One razor seems better than the other, but I would appreciate it if someone could point me to a professional in the Sacramento, California area that is capable of restoring a proper edge to my razors. Once I see how they are supposed to be, I think I can keep them there.

Thanks in advance for any help. Jack in Fiddletown

Hi, Jack, and welcome to SRP! Check in the Classifieds under "Member Services". We do have several members here who are California based -- I'm sure one of them will chime in here and give you some help.

Will do. Thanks for the direction.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Hi, Jack, and welcome to SRP! Check in the Classifieds under "Member Services". We do have several members here who are California based -- I'm sure one of them will chime in here and give you some help.

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You might also try posting in the Honing forum for someone in your area. Having someone watch you hone is one of the best ways to learn razor honing.

Great idea, thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

You might also try posting in the Honing forum for someone in your area. Having someone watch you hone is one of the best ways to learn razor honing.

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Sorry, yesterday I messed up on the member search. Here is a correct list of SRP members in the Sacramento area

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=50

Thanks much, Randy

I live in Los Angeles..pm me I'll hone it for free...just pay for shipping

Eekspa, I would recommend Randy's approach there. There's sort of competing priorities there. Since you're new - you need better edges than you will 6 mo or a year from now - so a pro quality edge is in order - helps you learn the shave more easily, and also lets you know what a good edge is supposed to feel like when honed well. So at least one of those two razors should have an excellent edge. Now getting w/ another member for honing help is my strong preference - do you really want to be doing all your learning (and making all your errors) on your grandfather's blades? Maybe there's no strong sentiment attached. If there is - you might want to get another blade on which to practice honing. 'Doesn't have to be expensive - just a sound blade. 'Preferably a full hollow (or extra), with an edge that's straight (no smile or frown). Take that blade when you meet up w/ another member to get a good feel for how an edge progresses.

Smalltank is offering help (Thank You, Smalltalk!). He's close by. I'd be happy to help also.

All points well taken. I have already purchased an old junker at a garage sale to practice on, but it's not in the condition you mentioned, it's pretty smiley. So far all I have done with my grandpa's blades is strop them. I think I am going to take Smalltank up on his offer and send him one so that I have something to shave with. Then locate someone close for some lessons. I am one who learns best by watching and doing.

You guys are such a great support group, makes me want to go into the bathroom and lather up right now . . . :)

Pinklather has a very good point. You really don't want to mess up your grandfathers razors.
The first razor I ever tried to hone was my grandfathers. I messed up big time and destroyed the edge. It now has a huge "frown". I regret it to this day, 15 years ago it was.