Razor advice and seeking a honer(?)

Hi all,

This may be the wrong place to post this, so if it is, my apologies in advance.

I recently purchased a razor off ebay (before I discovered this site) and it's a beautiful looking instrument, however, it's stainless steel.

This is the first time I've tried using a straight razor and after devouring all the information I could, I attempted my first shave tonight.

The blade seemed to pull the hair out more than cut it. I tried different angles etc to see if it was just my technique and nothing seemed to help. So I've come to the conclusion it's not sharp enough.

So I guess my question is; is there anyone in the Montréal area who sharpens razors? I searched the forums and classifies without luck.

Secondly; is a stainless steal really that bad? Should I abandon it and look for something else?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Kinds regards,
Brad.

Welcome to SRP.
Floppyshoes offers honing in Canada.
What brand is the razor?

Thanks mainaman,

It's a Chinese made "Rite Edge". Not the best off the shelve I admit :o)

Cheers
Brad

I'd say find another razor cause that one is most likely junk.

Yeah, that's what I figured, but it was in my price range (read cheap) - maybe I can use it for slicing tomatos.

Welcome Brad! You definitely came to the right place. I'm only new to SR shaving and I've bought a few razors over this year and it's definitely worth while to bite the bullet now and spend the money on a decent one and believe me your face will thank you for it! Best bet, try and save some money up and purchase one from the classifieds here cause there all shave ready and it will give you a guide line to know how sharp it needs to be for a comfortable shave!
Hope i helped and good luck!

Thanks Straighty180.

My biggest problem is I'm impatient and also travelling (I'm an Australian who has been touring Canada for the past 2 years) and while I can save the money, there's just so much drinking to be done before I get home :o)

But you're right; you pay for what you get, and I think I definitley got what I paid for.

Ok, I'll be patient and put a bit aside for a proper, non-crappy razor.

I look forward to chatting with you all over the next few months/years. This site is brilliant, by the way.

Regards,
Brad

Take a look at the classifieds. You can get a good quality, shave ready razor for a good price in there.

Hey Brad,
I'm right in Montreal, see the link in my signature.

As for a new razor, check out www.fendrihan.com (I hone for them), or www.rasagepoulin.com (with whom I have no affiliation).

Cheers!