Thread: Menard's Union Razor

#8,
2-3 pass shave. Still comfortable.

Sounds like your $3 straight razor has been a worthwhile investment. Sometimes there are things that can't be explained. Good for You!

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

Sounds like your $3 straight razor has been a worthwhile investment. Sometimes there are things that can't be explained. Good for You!

Thanks. So far so good. This is not a nice razor, maybe if I put a new set of scales it would handle better. I thought I would take a little risk and let everyone know how it is going. I will try to keep the thread updated so I can track the edge longevity.

found a hiccup:
I was stropping and noticing a tiny set of scratches on the strop - more like markings than scratches. I pulled out my loupe and found a tiny hangnail in the steel. There was a piece sticking up right near the toe. Not on the cutting edge, but perpendicular to the cutting edge right near that corner. It almost looked like a microscopic band saw or microscopic Dremel with a disc had cut into it.

I took it to the side of my Choser 1k and tried to file it out. I think I got it but sandpaper might work better. I still shaved with it and the results are in:

Shave 9:
Very good 4 pass shave. Might need to take it back to the hones as the toe was not up to the rest of the blade. Perhaps because of the repair I had to do...

Shave 8:
Little extra attention to the toe and a very good 4 pass shave

Number 11:
4 pass shave and all is still well.

Once u dial it in, then it's how long u can keep it shaving, with just leather.

Number 12:
4 pass shave. Feels a little less keen. Shave 11 was a little bit less keen as well, but the lather wasn't quite as good. Normally, I would go to a pasted strop for a couple of more shaves before hitting the hones. Might try a couple more times before honing. Still, had good results. WTG on 2.5 days worth of stubble was a little tuggy. But the xtg and atg were fine, just need more buffing than normal.

Originally Posted by coachschaller

Number 12:
4 pass shave. Feels a little less keen. Shave 11 was a little bit less keen as well, but the lather wasn't quite as good. Normally, I would go to a pasted strop for a couple of more shaves before hitting the hones. Might try a couple more times before honing. Still, had good results. WTG on 2.5 days worth of stubble was a little tuggy. But the xtg and atg were fine, just need more buffing than normal.

Shaving with a razor in that price category can be quite an adventure. At that level, I have found only GD to satisfy me, so I read your post with interest.

The ancient Egyptians shaved with bronze razors. Even melted down refrigerators are a step up from there!

Yep. The ancients also used a "flint knife," or obsidian. I'm sure that was fun.