Newbie, just bought my first real razor -- Clauss 11/16

Hello, everyone.

I just purchased my first straight razor yesterday from the classifieds section of this site. Here is a link to the google cache of the listing:
CLAUSS AMERICAN STEEL 11/16 - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

And here is the description:

Description: CLAUSS AMERICAN STEEL 11/16.
Razor in Good condition.
Blade has beautiful handle.
Blade opens and closes how it should be.
You will have this shave ready condition.
please check pics and ask any questions you have.
Buyer have to let me know within 7 day after getting the blade if there is any issues.
YOUR SATISFACTION Guarantee.
CHECK MY feedback by clicking number front of my name it may help.
Please copy and save add until you got your razor.
this is a nice shaver.
thank you
Shave Ready? Yes

Got it for $65 shipped. I also ordered the Filly strop for $22:
RupRazor - The Filly

and the Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set for $35:
Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set: Beauty


My total came out to $122 after tax, shipping, etc.


Still waiting for everything to come in, but I'm pretty excited to get started.

Anyway, I was wondering about this razor. From what I've read, it looks like it'll be a good starter, but let me know if I've made a mistake. I was curious as to this specific razor, I've had trouble finding much other information about it, like a model or any specs. Does anybody know where I might be able to find more information about it?

I will post pictures when it comes in.

Regards,
Osman

EDIT: Also, would love to know what year (or range of years) this was from!

You bought your razor from a quality dealer and one of the best honemeisters around. You can bet your razor will be sharp enough to split a frogs' hair three ways. Clauss was a very good manufacturer of razors beginning in 1878 and producing razors until the second half of the 20th century. It's very hard to narrow the age of most razors down because there is so little documentation available to be specific about years of production..

Regards - Walt

Buying a razor from Sham is a sure bet. Honest, reasonable in price, and it will come with a edge that is second to none. By the way, Clauss is an excellent MADE IN USA brand. Congrats, wildhog

What they said about Sham, he's a great guy and is awesome with the stones. Looks like you are ready to get to shaving, my first strop was the same as you got...still have it. Once you get into a few shaves, you can play around with some other shave soaps as well. Might I recommend practicing on the strop with a butterknife (without serrated edge) on the strop to start developing the proper muscle memory before you stick the razor to it. Most of us have rolled an edge at one time or another and this would help you to get started without damaging your strop or new razor.

Let us know how your first "dance" goes!

Remember: Proper shave prep is the key to a good comfortable shave...don't rush it. Keep the angle of the blade about one spine width from your face. Use a light touch with the blade. Relax. Enjoy.

It's no race...the only thing that matters is that you make it to the finish line.

All right. So my razor arrived on Friday along with my strop. My brush/soap weren't to arrive until today, but... I got impatient. So I tried just soaking my face in hot water and then shaving.

Well, I got through my cheeks OK (for the most part), but my neck took quite a beating. I've been doing OK for the most part going with the grain, but going against the grain gives me some difficulty. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but it seems to pull a little whenever I try to go against the grain. Still, that's probably just because of the lack of proper soap. Once that comes in, I'll report back.

The razor itself is quite nice. It seems as though the scales are some sort of plastic. Here are a few pictures I took when I got it:
Attachment 74940Attachment 74938Attachment 74941Attachment 74942Attachment 74943Attachment 74939
Attachment 74937

I am beginning to wonder if it is the same razor as this one: Clauss "Extra Barbers Special" 11/16 - Straight Razor Place Wiki
or if that is different. Clearly the scales are different, but I'm thinking that maybe my scales were replaced later on. I really wish I could find a manufacture date for this or any more details about its birth.

That's a good start. Try to restrict yourself to making small passes with the grain for the next few shaves, just until you get a little more comfortable holding/manipulating the razor to your face. Be sure you stretch your skin, and also, stretch your skin! This is important! Don't try to take on too much too soon. Once you get more comfortable, then try adding in some xtg, and very slowly atg. Remember, light pressure, almost none at all, as if you are just trying to shave off the lather. Take it slow, watch what you are doing and you'll be fine. Keep some styptic handy it will help seal up those little cuts fast.

Shaving after a shower really helps to soften the beard. Above all, don't rush it...enjoy it!

I'm still pretty new to this. The biggest thing that helped me, is to get your razor at as close to a 5 degree or so angle as you can at all times. I know the wikis give different angle degrees for different passes. I have had much less irritation and s LOT less nicks and razo rburn by keeping the razor closer to my skin. At first you think that you are slicing off a piece of face, but, it is actually safer. Give it a try and see for yourself. I hope this helps.

Like so many before me have said -- slow down. Somehow it gets to be a point of honor or something to shave the whole face as soon as you can. Want a nice cut? -- going against the grain before you and your skin are used to what you're doing is almost sure way to get cut. Want some really unattractive razor rash? -- same deal.

I love razors, and I'm completely aware of the desire to learn and learn fast, but shaving with a straight is really counterintuitive -- relax and learn at a reasonable pace, because smooth confident strokes make for a great shave.