So i bought a straight razor from amazon (eek)

Hi
i recently bought a (ahem) shave ready razor from amazon, since buying it i have found a few topics explaining what is meant by shave ready and how it is not what i thought it meant. since buying it however i have come to the conclusion that i should have maybe done a bit more research and probably bought something a more reputable.
As i currently only own whetstones that i use for knives (a few stones ranging from 400 to 5k grain) i dont feel i confident i can hone a razor to shaving standards using what i have.
I am intending to get one or two new hones in the near future but as for right now, and i am thinking that i can put my amazon purchase to good use learning to hone a finer edge without fear of harming a better razor, for the minute though im still looking for a razor.

I had seen mentioned on a topic here that the invisible edge Introduction to razors sells their razors pre honed and literally shave ready, and i was thinking about purchasing a dovo from there. I was just wondering if anyone has any knowledge or previous purchases from here that they could share information on to keep me moving in the right direction.

thanks in advance.

If you're familiar with honing knifes, get a finishing stone in the 12k to 20 k grit size to add to your collection. If you don't want to spend the funds on stones research lapping film. Many forum members use nothing but lapping film to set bevels and keep their razors shave ready. youtube has some excellent videos on how to hone razors with stones and lapping film.

If you invest in stones you will need a lapping plate to keep them flat. Lapping plate not required for lapping film if you use a flat piece of granite floor tile or scrap piece of granite counter top as your base for lapping film.

There are also many members from the UK who may chime in an offer to hone your razor.

they actually have some very pleasantly priced stone at that site too, and at a later date, i will definatley be investing in new stones be it from there or elsewhere. I quite enjoy honing knives but definatley need to upgrade even if only for maintenance of a razor. (sorry for the pun but) my current stones just wont cut it.

Hi Stev

Ive brought quite a bit from Steve at the invisible edge, hes a great vendor and he sends out his razors all shave ready. Also check out the strop shop, neil miller sells his wonderful strops and everything else shave related too. Both offer honing services, ive used both and are excellent, cant fault either.
Knivesandtools.co.uk sell all the naniwas you'll need for the cheapest price
good luck with your journey

Thanks for the info Mark

I have been sent a few new Dovos for sharpening.
Was not at all impressed with the factory edge.
If you buy a new one, buy from one of the many reputable vendors that offer razors that have been honed.

@ stev: amazon sell many different razors, some will never take an edge. Which razor did you buy?

A.P. Donovan - Razor set - edged razor in a dark wooden handle and with professional strop: Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

probably should have read the reviews hahahaha

Rockwell of about 58-60 or more is pretty much the standard for hardness in razor steel. 55 may be lacking some. I'm thinking you may have acquired a Pakistani special here. Who knows?? It just might work out. One thing though...if you have ANY inkling of an idea about returning it, DO NOT sharpen it!! That will make it definitely non-returnable.

Just checked out what else A.P Donovan manufacture. Seems they make watches, costumes, cufflinks and pipes to name a few, they must be very talented! The chances of buying a new shave ready razor and strop for £49.95 and be any good is going to be a miracle. If you cant get a refund you can use it for getting your stropping and honing technique down.
Forgot to say check out taylors1000.com. Brought a nice Joseph Rodgers from Tony and hes a great vendor, cant believe how many vintage straights he gets.

Yeah Phoenix, that ship has sailed but i had already had the same idea as Mr Kelly has suggested, and plan to keep it to practice strop and hone and as a reminder of the perils of diving in without my water wings.
Mark, theres some lovely stuff on that site, at the minute however im waiting for a Dovo from the invisible edge, but thanks for the link.

Suggestion... There's some able and reputable vendor on this site. You might be happier with a 'shave ready' from here.

I understand that johnus, but you have to remember that im new to straight razors, i agree its good to support, but also bear in mind please that this is my first non safety razor too, hence why i found it (even with it being public knowledge of my previous purchase proving im not the sharpest) prudent to take the option that was a little easier on my pocket and didnt require paying overseas shipping charges ect.

Steve usually also has some vintage razors for sale that are good too. You can't go wrong buying from The Invisible Edge. I've never bought from Neil but everything that I've read about, and by him suggests that his sales are equally 24 carat.