Thread: Waiting for my first straight razor

All I know is that I had asked and supposedly he uses a straight razor too.

Just so I understand, you think the razor will be needing honing prior to usage? Something that stropping will not be able to achieve?

Like I said, new to this....

Originally Posted by Europium

All I know is that I had asked and supposedly he uses a straight razor too.

Just so I understand, you think the razor will be needing honing prior to usage? Something that stropping will not be able to achieve?

Like I said, new to this....

It's not impossible that the razor will be properly sharpened , but the odds are in favor of it needing some work . Since you have never shaved with a straight razor , properly honed , or not , you won't know .
I would advise you to strop it up , and give it a try . If you think it's sharp enough , then maybe it is . If it feels like it's ripping your face to shreds (or something close) , stop shaving with it , and get it honed by someone who knows what they're doing .

Well since we are at the question thing. What is the easies way for me to find out, wether the razor is sharp enough or not? Just shave and see? If its smooth, I'm ok, if it isn't then I have to do a few (how many then) laps on the new strop? Shall I use the linen side first and then the leather, right?

Ps.
An electric shaver comes to mind, so much easier and the electricity comes free from the outlet too......
(just doesn't shave that good, if good is even allowed to mention)

You need to strop it first . You should always strop before you shave . I do 25 on the linen , and 50 on the leather . This is assuming you're stropping is up to par . You should practice with a butter knife or something similar , before you try stropping your new razor .
Shave with it . If it's reasonably comfortable , you might be okay . If it's not , it could be the razor , your technique , or both .
I say go ahead and give it a try , but if it doesn't feel right , stop shaving with it , and send it to be honed . Your face will thank you .

Originally Posted by Europium

Shall I use the linen side first and then the leather, right?

Yes that's correct . Read the "stickies" in the stropping section , beginners section , and the shaving with a straight razor section . There is also plenty of info on the home page . The more you read , the better your first shave will be .