Newbie from big red nation!

Yes, that's right. I bleed RED. Let the Husker bashing begin. That aside, I am so new to straight razor shaving that I haven't even received my 1st razor, a Gold Dollar #200 yet. I know, not the best razor by any stretch, but being so new I would hate to ruin a vintage beauty with my ignorance. I have however been using DE safety's for better than 10 years on everything from my collar up. Being someone who went bald at 21 years of age, I hold a high regard for the art of the shave.

I will be looking for tips on how to get the #200 Gold Dollar to a shave ready edge.
-Most likely through means of sending it to someone for honing
-Pre and post shave treatments (I have very sensitive skin, and am pron to razor burn and bumps.

Any and all input will much appreciated.

Thanks all
GBR
-Chris

G'Day and welcome, Chris.

You may have read the lengthly and (most-times) not so favourable posts about the ubiquitous Gold Dollar razors.

I bought one as my first, before I found this excellent resource for cut-throat razor users.

It was pretty good to learn on and I got an acceptable edge on it - after a while.

I actually rescaled it and gave it my son and he's still using it AFAIK.

Let us know how yours performs - and DON'T try it straight out of the box (Is this the voice of experience?).

You should be OK as far as beard prep goes after using a DE for the length of time that you have.

Just remember to use light strokes in the beginning.

and remember to strop for 30-60 laps just before each and every shave.

Just my 2¢ :)

Welcome to SRP :)

Well, Saturday was a good day. I decided to sharpen some kitchen knives over my morning coffee. Digging through a box of old knives I inherited from my Great Aunt I came across a sharpening stone marked *No 00 FRICTIONITE* AMERICAN HONE CO MORAVIA, IOWA. It is a two sided stone with markings on one side reading USE THIS SIDE FIRST / FINISH HONING ON THIS SIDE. Intrigued, I did a little research and found that this is a quite good barbers hone. So I start reading honing instructions and watching straight razor honing videos. Around noon, my Gold Dollar arrives in the mail. From what I understand, this razor needs to have the edge set. I go to work on the razor using a circular count to set the edge then moved on to lapping on the stone. After about 25 -30 minutes and various techniques I arrived at what seemed like a nice edge to try. It removed hair from my forearm quite nicely. I would consider the shave a success, less a few nicks on my strong side. My face does feel nice, my wife and daughter noticed the difference. I do believe that my honing technique could use a little work. I feel this razor could shave a little nicer. That being said, I have already started looking for a much nicer, older razor. I like vintage thingies of all sorts.

Thank you for the advice for my first shave, it was most useful.
-Chris

Welcome, I am new myself. Heck of a lot to learn. For thirty years I thought shaving was just slapping in a cartridge and get to it. Lately I have learned that it can be a real treat and since shifting to straight razors I find I look forward to shaving. Good Luck and I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

Russell