Thread: First Razor

Morning all,

I'm new to this forum and please forgive me if I will ask questions.

just decided to try learning straight razor shaving.

I have this razor and decided I would like start using it. I have no idea the quality of it, it say somewhere on the blade Anchor Brand, Manganese Steel...

I know that has to be hone and clearly I know less than nothing, I read about it but it seems that it is something over my head.

What is the best suggestion you can provide me, in order for me to be able to have someone hone it for me? I'm not really in a hurry

Thank you very much.

Welcome, here the link of highly qualified members that will hone your razor.
Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Hi Jean,

Bravo on choosing quality. 'Don't know how you came across that razor, but its a good one. As Martin suggest, a pro-quality edge is REALLY important.

I might suggest going through gssixgun's 'beginners tips' on this month's home page. It helps limit keep one's learning focused on the important stuff. Its easy to get distracted. Just the basics for now: the shave itself, beard prep/making lather, and stropping.

For stropping, his March, 2011 'beginners tips' is excellent.

You'll do fine. Keep reading, practicing and posting questions or issues while you learn. I think you'll find it quite pleasant and you'll have the best shaves of your life.

Like Martin said, Welcome to SRP.

That looks like a good razor to start with. It will need to be honed. you may think it's sharp and it probably is, but I seriously doubt it's sharp enough to give you a good shave.

Ask all the questions you desire. The only dumb question is the one unasked. Take your time. The learning curve is a bit steep,but by no means insurmountable.

Willie

Hello,

thank you guys for the tips and suggestions, my concern is once has been honed what do I need to do to keep it sharp beside I guess stropping? I do not want to sound cheap but I just do not want to invest to much money since I do not know if I will pursue the straight razor shave.

Thanks!!!

Read up on stropping where Pinklather told you. Once you've got a sharp razor, the edge is fairly easy to maintain unless you get crazy with it and bang into something. Initial investment doesn't have to be high.

Hi Jean! Great straight you've got there. Learn how to strop properly and the sharpness will stay on for a while. For me it lasts for about 100 shaves until it needs to see the stones again.
God luck!