Thread: Noob Question: Butch Harner "Grasshopper" seems to have a sticky edge

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and to straight razor shaving. I've been using a Dovo Shavette for a while and decided to treat myself to a new razor for Christmas, a Butch Harner "Grasshopper" from Classic Shaving. I love the look and feel of it, but it seems to grip my whiskers when i'm letting it slide down my face... I feel like the only way to get it to go, is to give it a little nudge and then i'm intimidated by it, because i'm worried I'll fillet my face off.

I haven't tried to sharpen it or anything (I paid $20 to have it done before it shipped to me), but I did by a strop and conditioner along with it.

Should I give it a shot???

What amazes me is that you paid an extra $20 dollars to have a $900 razor honed - for that money I'd expect it to make my tea as well as shave.

I would guess your problem is angle and a degree of nervousness - you can't compare straights to shavettes. If the razor is catching it suggests that the angle is too shallow - try moving the spine away from your face and then with little pressure it should begin to easily cut through your whiskers.

Lol! I did capture my first shave with it on video and I am clearly intimidated by it! Thank you! I'll try a different technique!

Nice razor - get yourself another much cheaper starter blade asap.

Check the classifieds here and purchase a razor in the 5/8 or 6/8 range and try to have it shipped to you shave ready. That would be a good razor to learn on as opposed to a very expensive custom like above.

As far as honing, don't learn to hone on a blade like that - period. IMO, you shouldn't even consider honing until you're down with the technique of learning to shave and strop.

As for that blade, I'd put is aside for awhile until you were proficient in str8 shaving with a blade that will take the wear and potential dings and rolled edges as your learn how to shave and strop.

You don't want to ding that blade on the faucet and ruin it, nor strop it incorrectly and roll the edge on it and get frustrated with the resulting poor shave.

I'm sure others will add their advice, either way, great blade...welcome to the forum!

Using a straight takes a bit of getting used to and being a little bit intimidated is normal at first, at least it was for me. Try using an angle that has about 2 spine widths gap between face and spine and do short light strokes to get the feel of it. As Phrank said do not strop for the first shave to allow you to feel what a sharp edge feels like. When you do strop on subsequent shaves and the blade feels different, dull, tugging or giving irritation, you have a hint that your stropping is off and you have done some harm to the edge. That is normal for a beginner to do. You could try practicing your stropping with a dull table knife to try and avoid cutting your new strop up too when you do use your straight on it.

Bob

That looks like a sweet razor. I always strop before shaving, even after getting one honed. That and some more experience should get you off on the right foot.

I'm thinking along the same lines as Rob, If I put out $900 dollars on a razor God help the seller who ask me do I want it honed and made shave ready!

I must say you looked scared out of your mind. Lol

LOL! I was very frightened! I was much better the second time, but still very intimidated by it.

+1 on watching that spike point. When I fist got my harner it had a taste for my blood.