Thread: Question about SRD razors

I just purchased a nice looking Ralf Aust - Solingen 6/8" Snakewood French Point Worked Spine from Straight Razor Designs. My question is how many people hone for SRD? My first blade was a Dovo Best Quality from heritage. I'm just trying to compare "Shave Ready" razors I guess between the two. I intend to, at some point hone my own, but that will be after I send one off to a quality honer so I know what the end goal is. I'm only about two months into my Straight Shaving experience, but my Dovo is really pulling. I'm sure I'll get some comments about technique and all; which is fine, but if anyone has experience with a Heritage sharpened blade please chime in.

Thanks,

Charlie

Welcome to SRP charliechevy. Just send your Dovo to an SRP member who advertises honing Services on the hobbyist forum. You need a "Real Shave Ready Edge to Enjoy Your S.R. Shaves.

Charlie,,, your best bet to get a precise answer, is to reach out to SRD & ask them.
Being 2 month into straights, does not give one much experience to rate/grade straights, regardless of the honer or manufacturer. Preshave, technique, soap/cream all play a crucial role at this point of your journey.
I truly feel you would be cheating yourself if you continued to pursue this project; your feedback would be based on too many factors that have yet to mature in your short period of wet shaving.

+1 to Hirlau's comment!

I'm not sure how many honers SRD has, but they all seem to do a damn good job. I haven't ever dealt with Heritage, but if they hone razors every day then they are probably about the same.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

I'm not sure how many honers SRD has, but they all seem to do a damn good job. I haven't ever dealt with Heritage, but if they hone razors every day then they are probably about the same.

Thanks for answering the question... Thanks all...

Hey, Charlie. Hirlau's post may not be exactly what you were looking for - but I think its likely the most valuable. Even blades done w/ equal expertise will vary drastically in their feel in a shave. Experiencing these variations is what helps us develop our preferences - in the balance of sharpness vs smoothness. You'll also develop a preference for specific types of steel, what stone finishes the edge, etc. If you get a chance, perhaps connect w/ a nearby member that would be willing to let you try some of their gear. That way you can experience the differences in feel w/out going broke buying & selling a boatload of blades. Should your path take you near Portland in the Great NorthWet - hollar & come try some stuff. In the mean time - enjoy tasting the feel of every variation you can.

I'm new to this as well so take this with a grain of salt. I got a dovo and a TI elsewhere before purchasing a RA from SRD. The quality of the shave with the RA far exceeded the others. For me, the RA is a better razor than dovo and was honed to perfection by SRD. I really like my TI and plan to send it to Lynn for honing. The dovo is collecting dust.

The RA I bought was a 5/8 square with rosewood scales. The one you got is on my wish list. I bet it's a beauty!

My assumption always has been that Lynn Abrams, co-owner of SRD, hones all of SRD's razors; but I do not know that for a fact. If you do get a razor honed by Lynn, then you can be assured that you will be dealing with, in your words, "a quality honer."

Regarding the razor from Heritage, I have never heard of this seller, so I have no idea of his honing competency.

For that reason, I would recommend Lynn as the sure thing.

+1 Utopian

My SRD Aust shaves like a dream.