Thread: Very curious newbie.

I've never used a straight razor ever. After watching the 2007 Sweeney Todd movie, I've been interested in starting now.

Although I don't know anything about them, can someone recommend me a decent one to start learning from?

I was thinking about buying the Sweeney Todd replica from amazon (haven enough giftcards to get it for "free") and using a grinding wheel to sharpen it.

Anyone think this is a good idea?

Welcome to SRP. If you go to the SRP Wiki beginner's guide here you'll find, among other things, razors to avoid. If the razor you mention isn't in the list it ought to be. Honing a razor to shave ready is an acquired skill. Many of us do our own after passing a learning curve but the best bet is to buy a pre honed shave ready razor from one of the vendors on the forum such as Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving or Vintage Blades, among others.

Welcome to SRP,

If you want to shave you would need a real razor, not a replica. Pretty much like if you want to shoot you buy an actual gun.
There are too many good options, so you have to make the choice yourself, there are many recommendations in the links you got.

+1 on JimmyHAD's Wiki reference.

From Amazon.com:

"This real life and functional reproduction is intricately detailed and arrives ready for mayhem. An amazing dye-cast aluminum handle loaded with style houses the thick mirror polished blade. Hand honed for a razor sharp edge. This is the straight razor made famous by the historic series of Sweeney Todd cinema and plays. 10 1/2 in. opened, 7 1/4 in. closed. A gift to die for!"

No.

I think you should try it and video-chronicle the event for us. as far as I know, nobody has attempted what you're thinking about doing

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

for someone so curious, you sure didn't look around the web much for answers in the last 3 years before asking such a retarded question

Sorry, I should of clarified, the Sweeney Todd movie that I watched, came out in 2007.... I recently watched the movie maybe a month ago or so.

hehe, no harm no foul

Here is also another, maybe ignorant question but... I use Williams Mug Soap ... (yes I use a soap and brush despite using safety razors), and I notice that I have to apply the soap onto one side at a time, otherwise it will sort of evaporate and disappear making me reapply it.

I notice in the movie Sweeney Todd though that he applies it, and it stays on the entire time. What kind of soap should I buy so I can do that too? I hate having to apply on side at a time.

Originally Posted by Hgaara

I notice in the movie Sweeney Todd though that he applies it, and it stays on the entire time. What kind of soap should I buy so I can do that too? I hate having to apply on side at a time.

You realize this is a movie, right?
May be you shouldn't watch Avatar, or you'll have really hard time trying to grow big and blue

I Also Use Williams And I Dont Have Any Trouble Holding Lather The Whole Shave. Spend A little More Time Making The Lather.Maybe A Little Less Water Will Make A Thicker Lather. Have Fun Learning