Thread: Where do I start?

I've been reading through this forum for about a good week or so now. I've seen lots of different techniques and tips, but haven't managed to find an all inclusive resource so-to-speak.

I just bought a couple of razors off ebay that don't look like they're in too bad of condition, but the blades can definitely use some restoration (scales look ok).

I've just been wondering what's the process of start to finish restoration? Do I start with sanding a blade down and restoring to a mirror shine before trying to restore the edge? Do I restore the edge first then sand?

Also, what stones are essential to get me started with edge restoration (which grits from start to stop)?

I managed to acquire a new Chicago Illinois Razor Strop yesterday at the local cutlery place and kicked myself for not getting one earlier (I was using one of the little tiny Dovo ones that came as part of a package deal from Vintage Blades). It's sooooooooooooooo much nicer to have a longer wider more professional feeling strop (leather seems nicer).

I'm sorry if this question has been posted a billion times, but I've searched (*some*) and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

Start here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...tials-faq.html

Yep, been reading through that sticky for about a week now. Just finished the Tumbler read. Think I'll have to get one of those and some media.

Still need to know what hones are absolutely essential to go from dull to shave ready. I've been thinking a Norton 220/1000 and a Norton 4000/8000?

Originally Posted by dhatcher

Yep, been reading through that sticky for about a week now. Just finished the Tumbler read. Think I'll have to get one of those and some media.

Still need to know what hones are absolutely essential to go from dull to shave ready. I've been thinking a Norton 220/1000 and a Norton 4000/8000?

Just depends how dull and how much time you have. 8000 grit is enough, but the more you have the quicker it will go. I tried to hone out a chip on a 1,000 grit stone and it took me a couple of hours. It would have gone much faster on a 220. If that chip wasn't there, I might not have even needed the 1,000 grit.

All that's necessary is a really fine abrasive

*disclaimer* Lee is not an expert, Lee speaks from very short experience

Thanks Lee

One of the razors I got has a bit of a rounded toe, so I'm theorizing how best to straighten it out in the most efficient manner (which I realize will probably still be hours and hours of work, but I at least want those hours off to the right start ).

Sand the blade first then do anything else necessary and finish with honing.

I would not bother with the Norton 220/1000. They are much to slow. Use sandpaper instead, 320/1000 wet/dry. The sandpaper has far more abrasive grains per square inch that the hone does thus it works much faster.

Hope this helps,

Straight Razor Book

Originally Posted by Philadelph

Straight Razor Book

+1 If you are truly interested in razor restoration, Bill's CD is the most complete work out there!