Thread: recommendations for inexpensive first razor please.

Those are some nice razors, good buy. I'd really recommend sending them out for a pro honing so you know what this sort of steel is capable of.

If you have no hone between your 5000 and your new C12k, you'll be polishing forever. You really will want an 8k to fill that gap.

Best wishes

Congrats on jumping in head first! Considering you stated that a stone costing $35.00 was expensive... I am going to assume that having your blades honed by a pro might be cost prohibitive. That or straight razor shaving doesn't have the utility a good $20 steak does - yet Under that assumption:

Under your settings, tell us where you are from. Were I to know you lived in N.E. Kansas for example, I would be happy to take an hour or two and show you the little I know. I am sure many gents here would feel the same way.

As you are probably aware, once you get past the basics, honing is an art. That said, view as many video's on Youtube as possible. Two very reputable honers off of this site, gssixgun and Lynn have awesome video's, and aren't the type to try and hide any information on how to do it correctly. I have learnt a ton from watching their videos, and try to re-watch every now and again to see what i missed last time.

I have honed a ton of knives in my life - take my word on that, but the little things on a razor matter. It's not like you are cutting an apple, or whittling wood with it after, you are shaving your face and brother... I had no idea how sensitive my face was until I started to shave with a straight lol!!

If you can have your straights honed by a pro - do it!

All the best of luck - If you put the time and love into honing that your razors deserve... that your face will demand lol, it will not take too long. Just remember a razor is fine instrument kind of like a Ferrari, where a knife is more of a tool like a ... well I don't want to insult anyone with an old American car lol.

Best of luck! Let me know if you are in NE KS!

I'm in northern CA. I probably will not take them to a professional unless I get the money to do so. I just moved to college and basically have no income besides what my parents provide. I don't think my parents should pay for this hobby. my knives and other stones were awesome christmas presents.

There is really great guides on this site. so I will do an inspection when I receive the razors and figure out what needs to be done.

since I I got a slurry stone with the 12K I think I could go from my 5k to 12k.

Until I can get a good edge, I'm not going to worry about picking up a strop.

Originally Posted by wetroofwoof

I'm in northern CA. I probably will not take them to a professional unless I get the money to do so. I just moved to college and basically have no income besides what my parents provide. I don't think my parents should pay for this hobby. my knives and other stones were awesome christmas presents.

There is really great guides on this site. so I will do an inspection when I receive the razors and figure out what needs to be done.

since I I got a slurry stone with the 12K I think I could go from my 5k to 12k.

Until I can get a good edge, I'm not going to worry about picking up a strop.

I think you will be fine with what you have... Just go real light on that 5 k towarsd the end to try to bring it up to an eight k feeling. Then spend some time on that 12 k.. If anything you will get your pressure down..

Originally Posted by wetroofwoof

Until I can get a good edge, I'm not going to worry about picking up a strop.

YIKES lol!!

Listen - there are more than a few guys who take a folded newspaper and use it to strop their razors. I understand its effective. Give it a shot.

You can strop on folded-over newsprint. At the keenness levels we deal with, stropping really makes a difference.

Good luck with it all.

thanks guys!

i'll definitely let you know how it goes. It might be a few weeks. but I'll ask if I come up with any questions that I can't find answers to.

If I honed my razor with 3 layers of tape. can I take it off now? or do I need to leave it on for better stropping results?

Also - I practiced with my honed razor. there is probably some problems with my honing. the edge worked but I don't know if it could be better or how long it will last if the honing wasn't optimal.

After wetting my chest and stomach. I shaved all the hair off. I nicked myself 8 times. and cut myself once. It probably took 10 minutes... I got some practice and noticed a lot of things.

going to try my face in a few days.

You should watch this. This is Lynn Abrams, the founder of this sight. He knows a little about what your trying to do.

Naniwa Super Stones-Straight Razor Honing - YouTube