Thread: Explanation, please

Hello friends

Just got my first straight razor in an antique store (Wester Bros "Manganese Steel" 11/16) half hollow, round point.

One of the member was so kind to hone it for me, since I do not know how to do it.

I’m a total beginner.

The question I have, what does this means 11/16 half hollow, round point?

Is this a good choice for a beginner?

Thank you all!!

Yes, it should be a fine starter razor. Round point means that the point is round and not squared or pointy, which could nick you (more easy than a round point, some start with square points though). Half hollow ground is the shape of the blade, if you look at the end of the razor and not in "profile" so to speak, in this case a rather sturdy and unflexible grind/shape, which prob wkill keep the edge sharp for a little longe (there are other advantages of a full hollow ground, but that we can talk about later, good luck with the shaves!).

Hello Mikael,

Thanks for the explanation!!!

I'm looking forward to my first shave and hopefully without nicks or cuts...


Thanks

Gcappo

Your razor choice is fine as Mikael has stated. For your edification you should understand that as a new and inexperienced user, the ideal razor width would be between 11/16 and 13/16 simply because this width range will be easier for you to keep the razor flat on the strop as you strop the razor before each shave.

It is more difficult for inexperienced users to strop a 4/8 or3/8 wide blade. Then later when you learn to hone your razor, the width will diminish over time as you re-hone and touch-up the edge. I started with a DoublDuck Special No. 1in 1968 and that blade has diminished to near 5/8 in all those years. I have since acquired many other razors since then and my experience tells me that starting with a razor of substantial width is the best idea.

5/8 to 6/8 is great for new guys. Enjoy the experience.......

Jerry
____

The razor you have pictured is a spike (square) point, though.

Is this the one you have?

Hello Havachat45,

Yes the one in the picture is the one I have.

So apparently is not a round point?? Good or bad??

Thanks

Gcappo

Well, I'm having trouble actually seeing what kind of point it is, since I can't really see the point but the seller must have said it's a round point, right!? Even though this model could be a square point originally (which I don't know if was), it could have been honed to a round point, for safety sake. I don't think a square point is such a bad thing, I think my first razor was a square point and it never cut me (later it has happened, especially with my Tosuke kamisori, which has a nasty, nasty square point ).

Looks nice. Good luck. My first was square you just be more careful. All comes in time. Practice your stroping and it will make your life better and your razor!

The picture looks like a square point to me. Additionally, I've got that exact razor and mine is a spike point.


Edited to add, it's a really nice shaver btw.

I started out with a square point and
did fine and you will do fine as well.

Terry