Thread: Just ordered my first straight...

So now that I am a pretty dedicated DE user having ditched the 5 bladed RSO (Razor Shaped Object) I decided that the next logical step was a SR, so after looking around I ordered the unseen deal from WhippedDog (Refurbished Shave Ready razor and a poor mans strop) I figured it was an inexpensive way to try SR.

My questions are as follows:

1) Currently I just use a pre-shave oil, then put a little of the cream on the brush and lather on my face, From reading it seems that SR prep is a bit more involved, do U all feel that it would be worthwhile to get a bowl etc and make a proper lather before shaving? Or am I ok with my current pre-shave/swirl it on method?

2) If I find that I like the SR shave, how often will I need to send the blade out to be re-honed if I strop before/after shaving? (I don't trust myself to do honing, I've tried with knives in the last and really made a mess) If it's going to be often, what do you all think of the SR's that you put half a DE blade in?

At this time, given my time constraints, I will most likely continue my daily routine with the DE and maybe Sunday mornings' will be the "treat" with the SR for me.....


Thanks for any advice in advance!!

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

So now that I am a pretty dedicated DE user having ditched the 5 bladed RSO (Razor Shaped Object) I decided that the next logical step was a SR, so after looking around I ordered the unseen deal from WhippedDog (Refurbished Shave Ready razor and a poor mans strop) I figured it was an inexpensive way to try SR.

My questions are as follows:

1) Currently I just use a pre-shave oil, then put a little of the cream on the brush and lather on my face, From reading it seems that SR prep is a bit more involved, do U all feel that it would be worthwhile to get a bowl etc and make a proper lather before shaving? Or am I ok with my current pre-shave/swirl it on method?

2) If I find that I like the SR shave, how often will I need to send the blade out to be re-honed if I strop before/after shaving? (I don't trust myself to do honing, I've tried with knives in the last and really made a mess) If it's going to be often, what do you all think of the SR's that you put half a DE blade in?

At this time, given my time constraints, I will most likely continue my daily routine with the DE and maybe Sunday mornings' will be the "treat" with the SR for me.....


Thanks for any advice in advance!!

1) I've found that the prep between the two is the same. The only difference is, of course, that you need to strop your straight razor before shaving. So if you're getting decent lather and comfort from face lathering your cream, I see no reason to change that. My advice is: test it out and see.

2) A shaving edge can be maintained for many months if you strop with proper technique. You can also get a secondary strop, fabric, felt or leather, or a piece of flat balsa wood, upon which you can apply various pastes that will allow you to touch up your edge. If you ordered the Poor Man's strop from Larry, all the directions for maintaining a shaving edge are in the package, nicely spelled out for noobs like us

I also might suggest you look into, at some point, purchasing a second straight, so when you eventually need to send out for honing, you aren't left without one.

And be careful, straight shaving is known to cause severe addiction and acquisition disorders of a whole new magnitude.

And be careful, straight shaving is known to cause severe addiction and acquisition disorders of a whole new magnitude.

+1

I am hooked for sure, and now I am getting into restoration. Oh the humanity!

Thanks for the advice

I did get the poor mans strop kit from Larry figuring I'd rather learn on an el-cheapo leather strop before ruining a good expensive strop. I am hoping I enjoy this as much as everyone seems to think I will.

Now I just need to learn how to use it

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

I don't trust myself to do honing, I've tried with knives in the last and really made a mess

Honing a razor is easier than sharpening a knife. The "trick" to knife sharpening is learning to hold it at a consistent angle. A razor has a built in "jig" for holding the proper angle - just place it on the stone with the spine and edge touching, and you have the proper angle.

... what do you all think of the SR's that you put half a DE blade in?

Not much. I'd say stick with a straight. If you want to use a DE blade, then use a DE razor. Just my 2 cents.

Wouldn't putting the spine and edge on the hone wear away at the spine over time?

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Wouldn't putting the spine and edge on the hone wear away at the spine over time?

Yes, but it's the way it's done. You can put a piece of tape on the spine if you don't want a polished line to show.

Hmm, maybe I will give it a shot, the nice thing about the razor I bought is that it is inexpensive, so if I screw the honing up I can just send it back to be honed again

Be sure to check the Wiki on honing:

Category:Honing - Straight Razor Place Wiki

So if I hone every so often (and learn how) do I ever need to send it out to be professionally sharpened like I would with a knife? Or is the Honing the same as sharpening? (sorry for the dumb questions )