Thread: Question about choosing a razor

I have a question about razors. What is the difference in points on the edge of the blade as far as shaving; what would be the advantages? Would it matter which one to use for a beginner?

I would appreciate any advice in what to look for in buying a razor. Also what I would need to touch up the razor to keep it sharp.

Thanks

Originally Posted by binder

Also what I would need to touch up the razor to keep it sharp.

Generally, some Chromium Oxide (CrOx) spray or paste on a designated strop and/or some diamond spray on a designated strop will do for light touch ups. Or are you thinking hones?

Sorry, I can't help you with the different kinds of points.

In my opinion when selecting a razor the real choice is between carbon and stainless steel. Carbon is easier to work with but rusts and stainless doesn't rust as easily but is harder to work with. I tend to preferr the stainless becuase I can't use it during the week, got to shave 98% asleep. On the week-ends I have more time to get going so I have time to work with the straight.

Your question isn't very clear as my answer will be another interpretation to those above it. A round 'pointed' razor would be better for a beginner rather than a 'Spike' or a 'Square' end razor. A spike or square is more likely to catch an unwary noob and give a cut. So for a first razor I'm going to recommend a round nose or maybe even a French tip razor. To keep it sharp all you'll need to start with is a cheap strop. Once you've finished cutting the crap out of that one and don't think you'll cut up any more strops I'd recommend another one to keep it sharp, but not one of mine, they're not for a new bloke to learn on, they won't take a beginners major mistakes too well. Is that the advice you were looking for?


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Your question isn't very clear as my answer will be another interpretation to those above it. A round 'pointed' razor would be better for a beginner rather than a 'Spike' or a 'Square' end razor. A spike or square is more likely to catch an unwary noob and give a cut. So for a first razor I'm going to recommend a round nose or maybe even a French tip razor. To keep it sharp all you'll need to start with is a cheap strop. Once you've finished cutting the crap out of that one and don't think you'll cut up any more strops I'd recommend another one to keep it sharp, but not one of mine, they're not for a new bloke to learn on, they won't take a beginners major mistakes too well. Is that the advice you were looking for?


Mick

I took the question the same and couldn't agree more...round point means both earlobes likely still present after first few shaves. I used a relatively cheap Illinois strop (sliced her all to Hades BTW) to get started...she still hangs as a reminder of how little I knew then. (My wife serves to remind me of how little I know now...)

Originally Posted by kfralin

(My wife serves to remind me of how little I know now...)

That's what they're for...



Enjoy the Str8 experience

Thanks for everyone for the replies. That gave me some things to think about. I'm also reading through the wiki. I think I like the French point more for looks, but definitely something with a rounded point. Would it be easy to trim around the mustache?

Originally Posted by SlowRain

Generally, some Chromium Oxide (CrOx) spray or paste on a designated strop and/or some diamond spray on a designated strop will do for light touch ups. Or are you thinking hones?

I was thinking of what finishing hone I would need to keep an edge, and how good the finishing pastes were or if they were necessary.

Originally Posted by binder

I was thinking of what finishing hone I would need to keep an edge, and how good the finishing pastes were or if they were necessary.

That would depend on your preference in hones or finishing pastes but if you know how your purchase was honed then you can try to recreate the same thing by buying the same media. Unfortunately you can't buy the skill that went into the honing. The strop will be your biggest friend & maybe enemy at first. Do lots of research & lots of practice to develop muscle memory for the correct actions. Stropping on a single sheet of newspaper is not a bad learning tool. http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ewspaper+strop

Originally Posted by binder

...Would it be easy to trim around the mustache?...

If, like me you sport a moustache and goatee, I use a small pair of scissors to trip the mo' along the line of my lip and I use the razor (a round point) to define the outside edges and also to shave away the stray hairs in the little gaps in growth under the bottom lip and, (for my weird face) the gap in growth caused by the shadow of my big nose ...The philtrum area. I tend to get just a few stray hairs there, so the razor is used to whisk them off too.


Mick

Size:
I had a LOT easier time with a 5/8 size when I was starting. The 5/8 size fit under my nose, into the curve between my lower lip and chin, and into the hollows of my neck much easier. After I got used to shaving with a straight razor, I could use a 6/8 in all those "problem areas", but the 5/8 was still easier. Downsides ? The 6/8 was EASY to stop. The 5/8 took 3-4 sessions worth of practice before it became as easy. The 6/8 also had more weight, and mowed down wiskers in the flat and easy to shave areas easier. "Easier" translated into not needing any "running start" to have some momentum, and automatically using less pressure, which meant less razor burn. After 20 or so shaves, I finally learned to stop applying pressure with the 5/8's though. Also, when the 5/8 gets a little dull, it starts "needing" momentum to cut well. This may be an advantage since continuing to cut with a non-so-sharp 6/8 could cause razor burn (depending on how dull you let it get).

Point:
The roundpoint fit into the hollows of my neck alongside my trachea easily and without trauma. I only tried a squarepoint after I had some experience, but still found I had to be careful with it on my neck (too many hollows). The rest of my face was easy, and I only ever got a scratchy feeling, no cuts or scratch lines. If you have hollow cheeks, you might have to be careful there too. The downside ? I can edge my sideburns on the sideways pass with the roundpoint, but I have to watch where the lather is being removed and "project" where the line will be when I get to my sideburn. It's easy on the first pass, but difficult if I miss a wisker or two and want to go back and get them (no lather this time). I also use the roundpoint to get the wiskers that grow all the way up into the base of my nostrils. Both the sideburns and nostrils were easier with the squarepoint, but it's not very hard to use the roundpoint for precise trimming. You get used to how far back from the tip the edge starts pretty quickly.

Grind:
I firmly believe a firmer grind (like a 1/4 or 1/2 grind) is very helpful for a beginner. I only got to use something other than a full grind after I had some experience. The firmer grind gave my noticeably less razor burn when I used too much pressure, as compared to the full grind. After I saw this, I made an effort to lessen the pressure I was using (which I only THOUGHT was low before), and 5 shaves later, my technique improved to the point where the full grind was easy too.

Availability:
I had an awefully hard time finding a 6/8 half hollow grind recommended in the Wiki. If you don't want to watch the classifieds until something nice but affordable comes along, I'd recommend picking up a new 5/8 or 6/8 full hollow Dovo. Pick the one you like the looks of, they all shave well !