Thread: New gift

Greetings. Total newbie to the site and to straight razors. I just received a gift of my first razor. It is an A.P.Donovan purchased in a kit. In examining it a little closer after the awe of my first razor has settled down, I see that the blade does not sit directly in the middle of the scales. As I close it, I have to be careful to push it so that the blade doesn't touch the side of the handle, until it goes inside. Is this a common thing, or is it considered a defect that should go back to the vendor immediately?

Many thanks.

Glenn

Always awesome to get a gift (especially a razor) but the razor does look suspiciously like one that is on the do not buy list. i have no experience with that particular brand but be ware. It is probably not shave ready (I can almost guarantee that) and a new razor should close on center. If you decide to keep it i would definitely send it back for a replacement. Also be prepared to have it professionally honed or you will be sadly disappointed with the shave. Hope fully someone will respond that has some experience with it and can prove me wrong.

I would try to get it returned or refunded if I were you. Also, you can check out the classifieds for a true shave ready razor here. Many are inexpensive and will give you a standard to go by for sharpness. Other options are looking at whippeddog. He sells good used razors on his website. My first razor was from him and I still have it and use it regularly. Good luck. Lots of info on this site. Absorb it all.

Welcome to SRP. As far as it not centering, some dont. It normally becuse when they are made by the hundreds they dont take the time to center them when pinning. They just pound them tight and call it good. You should always be in the habbit of guiding your razor home into the scales. Its just a better way to close them safely. Close them on the scale one time and you have damaged the edge.

Shave ready? I dought it. You will need to send it off and have it profesionally honed by hand. Not a machine. There is a big difference.
Whatever you choose to do enjoy the new sha ing hobbie. It takes many many shaves to get good so take your time, read all the i fo in the library here and ask lots of queztions.

Welcome to the site and as others have said make sure you have good equipment. They say a poor workman blames his tools but it isnt easy to saw a log with a phillips screwdriver!

Originally Posted by AlanQ

Welcome to the site and as others have said make sure you have good equipment. They say a poor workman blames his tools but it isnt easy to saw a log with a phillips screwdriver!

That is one of the best sayings that I have heard in a long time.

Originally Posted by AlanQ

Welcome to the site and as others have said make sure you have good equipment. They say a poor workman blames his tools but it isnt easy to saw a log with a phillips screwdriver!

Reminds me of Banacek's Polish proverbs. For the youngsters, 'Banacek' was a series in the old late-night ABC Mystery Movies played by George Peppard. The most famous one was Columbo, played by Peter Falk. It came on locally at midnight and I used to rush home from evening shift to catch them.

Cheers, Steve

MANY THANKS TO ALL... for the great advice. I've decided to keep the razor, (don't want to insult the gift giver), and send it for honing; ... but will buy a better razor properly prepped for use. I can always use the gift to learn and practice honing.
maybe eventually it will prove useful.