Thread: Disappointed

Hey, guys!

I just finished my very first straight razor shave (no pink soap!), and found it to be a bit disappointing, as it didn't really shave at all. I'm suspecting that my new Timor Blue Steel doesn't have an "out-of-the-box" edge suitable for shaving. How can I tell if it's sharp enough? I don't have access to a microscope, and was also wondering if anybody had any tips on honing (including good stones to buy).

Thanks!

Jay

Originally Posted by Dyver529

Hey, guys!
I just finished my very first straight razor shave (no pink soap!), and found it to be a bit disappointing, as it didn't really shave at all. I'm suspecting that my new Timor Blue Steel doesn't have an "out-of-the-box" edge suitable for shaving. How can I tell if it's sharp enough? I don't have access to a microscope, and was also wondering if anybody had any tips on honing (including good stones to buy).
Thanks!
Jay

Send it to one of the members. There are a lot of guys here with years of experience honing.

If you had said you just had your first straight shave and you got good results I would be shocked. This is something that can take months before you get really good shaves so don't lose hope.

Check out the resources here and try the hanging hair test and thumb tests to see if your razor is shave ready. You can also try shaving your arm hairs. if its out of the box it probably is not. few are. You/ll need a Hone I would recommend the Norton 4K/8K and a plain leather strop. If you stick with it you'll need them anyway. For the short term you might send the razor to one of the Honemeisters here to get it sharpened for you so you'll have a frame of reference for the future as you perfect your skills.

Thanks for the reply!

What exactly are "the thumb test" and "the hanging hair test"? I've tried shaving the hair on my arm, and was actually able to do so, with very short strokes.

Where can I get a Norton stone like you described?

Thanks!

Jay

529 it's probably not the same sort of shave you were thinking. With a mach3 or some other crap like that, it's normally one pass and you're done. A str8 shave is essentially a couple or maybe a few shaves in one sitting. Lather up, and on your first pass, just try to knock down the bulk of the whiskers. Once those are out of the way and won't be there to grab your blade anymore, lather up again and do it all over again. This is when you'll be getting close. Once you've shaved twice, then lather a third time and get REALLY close. That's what a str8 shave is all about. The third pass isn't necessary, but it's up to you. I think you'll find, if you stick with it, each time you shave you'll be trying for the perfect shave. It comes quicker than you may expect..............Jeff

Originally Posted by Dyver529

Hey, guys!

I just finished my very first straight razor shave (no pink soap!), and found it to be a bit disappointing, as it didn't really shave at all. I'm suspecting that my new Timor Blue Steel doesn't have an "out-of-the-box" edge suitable for shaving. How can I tell if it's sharp enough? I don't have access to a microscope, and was also wondering if anybody had any tips on honing (including good stones to buy).

Thanks!

Jay

The cheapest Norton stone prices I found are at http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/index.html
Everyone will tell you (rightly!) that you'll want a combination 4000/8000 waterstone. They come in 2" and 3" widths. You should consider the wider one since the blade 'fits' better on it. Also, the 3" comes with its own holder, which makes it easier to use. If you buy a razor from a senior member it will be honed to a sharpness which you may then use as a benchmark. That's what I did. So, every time I hone a razor, I try to get it as sharp as the most experienced member's honing jobs. This is none too easy and requires patience and practice...lots of practice! Also, Radio shack has microscopes for $10 (they're handheld and small, but work fine). Feel free to ask anything else you want, I'm happy to share whatever I can.
Best,
Mark

Hey, Dyver. threeput's right. Give it a couple of goes and you'll be doing yourself a favour. Those Nortons are here, http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...944/196094.htm plus lots of goodies, but for refining or keeping a shaving blade in shape I recommend a pasted paddle strop like Tony Miller makes. http://www.thewellshavedgentleman.com/ Tony's stuff is also shown in the Gear For Sale folder in the User Gallery. They're easier to use and cheeper than the waterstones and I get better edges off the 0.5 micron (green) paste, than that 8000 grit side of the Norton.

Those stones are tough to get the nack of (especially with just 1 razor) but for establishing an edge that isn't there the Norton is the essential tool.

X

Thanks Xman. I will say though that as easy as pasted strops are to use they are not the tool for every job. A very dull razor or one with even a small nick is really only corrected with a stone/hone.

The pasted strops are really for refining a honed edge, keeping a sharp razor sharp and for getting a new, out of the box razor shave ready.

Tony

Don't give up! It takes a while to develop proper technique and time for your face to adjust to being shaved by a straight razor. If you haven't already read or heard, straight razor shaving takes time. It's not something that's easily learned or learned overnight. Patience is key.

I had my first shave with my "out-of-the-box" Dovo and it wasn't my best shave, either. I then sent my razors to Lynn for a good honing. You won't believe what a difference a shave sharp razor will do. I highly recommend that you have your razor honed by one of the honemeisters out here. You, and your face, will be happy you did! Having said that, because you'll have a really keen edge, you'll need to use very little pressure while shaving which will also lend to a better, more comfortable, shave.

Good luck and happy shaving,

Jeff