Thread: New razor, new problems.

I have been using a Cyril R Salter straight about once a week for many years, I have been flying completely blind, having been unaware of sites such as this (perhaps they were harder to found when I first took the straight razor notion). I've never had the blade honed, but started stropping it with the red paste after a regular stropping failed to deliver suitable results. I have always been able to get a reasonable shave from this razor but thought I would treat myself to another one in case I was missing out.

I purchesed a restored New England Razor Co. razor, and as I understood that it should be shave ready, got stuck in, and had a go at about 4 days of growth. The results were generally uncomfortable, I had some minor issues with the point (I expected this) but I also found I has basic issues with tugging and a general strange feeling with this new piece of steel in my hand.

Is it normal to have some difficlty with a new razor, do I just need to get to know it better?

I have another go in a couple of days and this time strop it before use.

My razors(that have the same blade height) all shave similar. I notice a difference going from say a 4/8 to a 6/8 and have to change blade angle and such. With you situation i would say maybe your old blade was dull so you where shaving harder with it to make up for sharpness. Now that you have a sharp blade you may want to lighten your touch.

Just like a golf club, each razor has its own requirements. Take your time, go WTG, and if you are comfortable then try ATG. Go easy and don't overshave. Glad you found this site, many good ideas here.

It's true that all razors seem to be a tad different in feel however I find that's really small potatoes. If you are competent with a straight and the razor is proper sharp you should be able to pick up pretty much any razor be it 4/8-8/8s hollow or wedge and get a great shave with minimal adjustment to it.

If a razor is balking there's a problem somewhere.

Some of the people selling restored razors dont always deliver the best edges
I dont know if that applies to you sinse you dont mention where you got it

Now it could still be tecnique but if you get a chanse to get it checked out...

They're a reputable vendor as far as I know and I wouldn't want to bismirch their name as I am certainly no expert. I was just expecting more from a freshly honed razor as compared to my well used (and probably poorly maintained) blade.

I felt a little ham fisted while using it; it's a heavier blade, and certainly got heavier scales, so the balance is probably very different. I'll try it again tomorrow.

Originally Posted by jlbrown3

They're a reputable vendor as far as I know and I wouldn't want to bismirch their name as I am certainly no expert. I was just expecting more from a freshly honed razor as compared to my well used (and probably poorly maintained) blade.

I felt a little ham fisted while using it; it's a heavier blade, and certainly got heavier scales, so the balance is probably very different. I'll try it again tomorrow.

You could try contacting the vendor directly about it and see if they'd resharpen it. Otherwise you could send it out to someone in our member services to see if they'd check the edge and then resharpen if needed.

Also, since you mentioned that you have a Salter, you might want to check out this thread. Now if yours has been shaving that's fine, but based on the input from members having used them it seems that their steel is inconsistent at best. Just a note of caution for if/when you decide to send that one out to be sharpened.