Thread: Ralph in Alaska

Hello Guys/Gals, I am 55 and have always been interested in straight razor shaving. So, a few months ago I purchased a razor w/disposable blades to see if I had and would keep an interest in shaving w/t straight razor. I purchased a dovo Inox last month, and find it to be even more enjoyable than the disposable blade razor. I am afraid to strop it, but do. And when it comes time to hone it, I think I will send it off. At least the first time as I have a "free sharpening" from the company I purchased from. I can put a nice edge on a knife, but these are not knives, are they? I have several stones. And one that was passed down from my grand father - that is missed placed... But, I will find it. There are a lot of question I have, but will search the forum so as not to ask repeat questions.

Any way, I hope to enjoy this for a long time. I don't really type a lot. And I also do not have a lot of wisdom to pass on. However, I will be on here looking around. Guess that is about it..

G'Day Ralph and welcome to SRP.

We are the same age and I started around two years ago - if I can learn so can you, just do some searches, read the WIKI and watch the videos - of course ask if you need to - we'll answer what we can.

Hopefully you'll participate in Movember

Hi Ralph,

Welcome to SRP!! If I'm guessing correctly you're in "Baja" Alaska, as we called it, south of Juneau. I lived quite a few years, 14, about 50-60 miles north of Anchorage. I miss it sometimes, but not the dark or the snow.

That Dovo INOX is a nice razor, I really like mine. Sending it off for honing in the beginning is a very good idea, because as you said, "these are not knives". I stropped the edge dull on my first attempt by stropping with way too much pressure, the same pressure I'd used on my carving knives. A good way to practice stropping technique is to use a butter knife. Sure saves the strop and the razors edge.

For hone study, good search names, Norton, Naniwa, Shapton, Chosera, etc. will keep you reading for awhile. I'd avoid natural stones until you've become proficient with synthetics. That's, of course, if you do decide to take up honing.

As Havachat said, there's lots of good info in the wiki, linked below, and also linked is our classifieds and vendors. You'll find members items for sale and also those offering restoration and honing if you ever find that you need any of those services. The classifieds are a good source because only established members can post.

Enjoy the forum, and if we can help, don't hesitate to ask. Again, Welcome!!!

Best Regards,
Howard.

Thanks for the encouragement guys. Yes. I am in Petersburg, Alaska. about 100 miles south of Juneau on Mitkof Island. Population about 3,200. You said "Baja"? I would think with all the rain, I could think of another name for it. :-). I did purchase a "Master USA" - (Made in China - Go figger). Anyway, I use it to practice, I am not able to get the edge I would like on it. I would like to get another "nice" razor but will wait for a while. Anyway, thanks for the welcome notes, as well as the information. Ralph

Ralph, Seems like a few of us started then.

I bought the same blade, but made most of the worst mistakes a few times. I went 6 wks w/out being able to use it - entirely my own lack of skill. When I got to use it again, I was quite pleased with the edges it took, and how it felt on the face. You mention getting another 'good' blade'. Depending on your need for eye-candy, a really good blade can be had for about 1/2 that amount, through the classifieds. My fondness of the Dovo Inox led me to the Henckels Friodur, and I still love it dearly.

What caught my eye was your anxiety about stropping. If I have a claim to fame, its for my performance as Freddy Kruger tries stropping. I butchered 5 strops. My razors thanked me 'cause my stropping was so bad it only dulled the edges anyway. I still find large portions of stropping mysterious - like its an area we've not recovered that much knowledge. 'Lots of controversies still exist. But for the present, the best single thread I've seen on the topic is our honorable Gssixgun in his beginner's tips 3/11. http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ch-2011-a.html

The idea of laying a hanging strop flat and using like a paddle strop is inspired. Be sure to watch Al's vid on the all-important 'flip' at the end of the stropping stroke. That's where most of the carnage happens. One single detail about that move is what cost me all the strops.

You'll most likely pick this up much faster than I, but if I can be of help, let me know. Enjoy those shaves. I'm jealous of your location. That area has had my imagination by the short hairs since boyhood.

Originally Posted by Ralph99833

You said "Baja"? I would think with all the rain, I could think of another name for it. :-). Ralph

Yeah, Baja was for how far south you are and a little milder for winter temps. Rain, oh yeah, we had tee shirts that said "Alaskans, We don't tan, We rust".

Pinklather, (I think I already know how *or why* you took that name:-) Yes, I flipped the blade, but must have pulled just a little at the same time, "twice". I can't really afford put out for a strop every other shave, so I will be a little more careful...- I hope. Thanks for the tip on the post. I will look at it a.s.a.p.. Working tonight, so I don't have a lot time to be on here. Not sure about picking up faster - Old Dogs and all. I will check out the classifieds.
My location? Nice. You have to get over the rain though. If you want to do anything, you don't wait for it to stop raining, You just do it. thanks, Ralph

Winters are not bad. I've seen -8 degrees for about a week. That is not bad at all. Pretty mild coastal temps. I've been here 22 years now. Sorry to say I never heard of Baja (Or have and not paid much attention). We do use the saying "halibut Belly White" a lot. And many other sayings. But I do like it most of the time. Grand kids, and a son still here. So, I will stay a while longer. Thanks for the visit. Ralph

Glad to have you Ralph!

You purchased a good razor and you are wise to have it rehoned when it needs it. Later on down the road (not too far mind you) we will have to get you to touching up a razor...but not today. Age doesn't mean much on this site as we have young fellows to more senior fellows than you, all that matters is that you are interested in the shave. Please look over the site, there is tons of information to peruse & search through. Remember though, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. If I can ever be of assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me via PM.