Thread: My first traditional straight razor

Originally Posted by AngeloAmerico

Also, I don’t plan on taking the razor to my face until it can not only shave a patch of hair off my arm well; but also be able to cut arm hairs at mid level without touching my my skin.

OK, let us know how you make out.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

OK, let us know how you make out.

Bob

Will do. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

I just did an initial test spot shave on my arm without honing or stropping. It got some hairs off on the skin but barely cuts them midway. Now I’m thinking perhaps I should do a refresher on my razor. I’m thinking the following laps per level.
Linen side with cromox lightly added to it - 10 laps
Clean linen side - 20 laps
Smooth leather side - 40 laps
I may try this method tomorrow and then do the arm hair test again to see how it goes. I’ll keep everyone updated on my progress.

Look up calibrating the HHT same applies to arm hair. Never in a million years will a razor cut mid shaft on my arm hair, DE blades don't either. Edge tests require some experience and comparisons in order for them to have real meaning.

And I am uncertain of the grit of your stone as well. But usually people start at a bit rougher of a stone for setting of edge and work their way through many progressions of stones to a very fine 8k or higher stone, and than strop for a nice edge. And yea just practice and get the feel for your technique and laying a good edge. And I'm sure you know, but you want to make sure your edge angle is just one angle and not a few different degrees leading into each other as well. This will not work well as it is giving it different shave edge degrees. You can almost see a good edge when it's on by the depth, smoothness, and angle of it. As well as if it's evenly touching the tip, or if the edge is still thick and not meeting the new angle laid. But I have yet to start properly honing, this is just my experience with knives. I am hoping to begin very soon . All in due time I suppose. But I do look forward to it.

I just honed and stropped my new razor and it shaves like a dream on my arm. I may strop it a little more tomorrow morning before I test it out again on my arm then start with only my cheeks to start off with.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Look up calibrating the HHT same applies to arm hair. Never in a million years will a razor cut mid shaft on my arm hair, DE blades don't either. Edge tests require some experience and comparisons in order for them to have real meaning.

Just goes to show how subjective/objective this hobby is. I can top arm hair mid shaft on a 1k with some razors, no probs. HHT from my head wont play nice even if I was to take a running swipe at it!

Originally Posted by AngeloAmerico

Also, I don’t plan on taking the razor to my face until it can not only shave a patch of hair off my arm well; but also be able to cut arm hairs at mid level without touching my my skin.

Originally Posted by AngeloAmerico

I just honed and stropped my new razor and it shaves like a dream on my arm. I may strop it a little more tomorrow morning before I test it out again on my arm then start with only my cheeks to start off with.

As Rezdog said it can take some calibration to see what tests mean to you. Above all else the shave test is the only one that really matters.
Shaving just your cheeks is a good idea to start off.

Originally Posted by AngeloAmerico

I just honed and stropped my new razor and it shaves like a dream on my arm. I may strop it a little more tomorrow morning before I test it out again on my arm then start with only my cheeks to start off with.

Welcome to SRP. Please don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way. I believe you are setting yourself up for failure. Shaving with a straight razor is a skill that requires time patience and practice. Honing a straight razor is a completely different skill that requires even more time patience and practice. It took me months to learn how to consistently shave well with a straight razor and it took me a couple years to learn how to consistently put a good edge on one.

I'm not familiar with the brand of razor that you purchased, but it has all the hallmarks of a cheap Pakistani blade that somebody etched their logo on. I have yet to see a $20 blade from Amazon that is actually worth $20. It would probably be a chore for a very experienced honer to put a good edge on it, if it will even take a good edge. I would recommend getting something that you know is a quality blade that's 100% shave ready.

Like I said before, I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm trying to save you a lot of time and frustration. Feel free to send me a PM and I will be more than happy to get you set up with a shave ready razor.

Thank you for the wise advice BeJay. I think I will hold off on shaving the Cutthroat Gents razor until I find an actual shave ready one from a reputable brand and dealer. I’ll keep you in mind for future reference.