Thread: New to using a straight razor

I am 34 years old, I decided to start using a straight razor. I was lucky to get one from my dad's estate, it is a LOUISE made in Germany, it has the original box. The box is in rough shape. I honed it a few days ago and started using it, I love the feel of the shave and will never use anything else now. Being new to using it, I am looking for any tips you have to offer. My wife loves the smell of the soap I am using, and the feel of my face.

Welcome, best advice is to start with the Wiki, read the past forums and ask questions. SRP is full of information and will become very addictive.

Welcome.
Sounds like a great start.

Welcome to SRP. How did you hone the razor? Did you have any previous honing experience?

Originally Posted by flyman

Welcome to SRP. How did you hone the razor? Did you have any previous honing experience?

+1 - my question exaclty.

Having said that - Welcome to SRP and congrats on taking the plunge.

How about a pic of your dad's razor?

Welcome to SRP and congrats on making the proper shaving choice Don't hesitate to ask questions when yo run into problems. Don't worry, it happens.

I will post some pics soon, we have been busy with our new baby girl. I used to sharpen carbide saw blades for a living, and my dad was a knife collector for as long as i can remember. He taught my a lot over the years.
I honed the blade on a fine Arkansas wet stone, then i used the strop to finish it off. I did use some lather on the stone. The strop I use I picked up at an antique store, I had to scuff the leather up with a pumice stone, it really made a difference getting that final edge.

I was wondering what your feeling is on stropping paste, is it necessary?
If so where do you get it?

I have noticed, I don't get razor burn like i used to. I really enjoy my morning shave now.

Originally Posted by jacobson76

I will post some pics soon, we have been busy with our new baby girl. I used to sharpen carbide saw blades for a living, and my dad was a knife collector for as long as i can remember. He taught my a lot over the years.
I honed the blade on a fine Arkansas wet stone, then i used the strop to finish it off. I did use some lather on the stone. The strop I use I picked up at an antique store, I had to scuff the leather up with a pumice stone, it really made a difference getting that final edge.

I was wondering what your feeling is on stropping paste, is it necessary?
If so where do you get it?

I have noticed, I don't get razor burn like i used to. I really enjoy my morning shave now.

Well done, I too have always honed my own razors, and do not understand angst expressed by many over this simple task. Since you used and Arkansas stone, you polished the stone as you honed it so the use of a pasted strop at this time is unnecessary. Going forward you might want to think about a faster cutting hone unless you enjoy the lengthy process required by the Arkansas.

Excellent start. Angle is very important. It'll take you a while to figure out the best angle for the different parts of your face. It's great that you're enjoying it.