Thread: What Ive learned in 3 weeks.

Hello,

Well Ive been working on straight razors for about 3 weeks now. Ive learned so much from you guys and I cant say thank you enough. Every single person has been nice and even when I asked somewhat dumb questions or questions that have probably been asked before everyone was beyond helpful. In the beginning I was very overwhelmed but after a few days of asking questions and actually putting in work it became very straight forward. Anyone can restore a straight razor if they take the time to learn and make a small investment. In total I spent about $50 on supplies (sandpaper, polish, superglue, scale material, pins and washers).

Tips form me to other new members or someone looking into straight razor restoring:

*Make sure the razor your buying has quality photos so you know what your getting into.

*Research the maker before you buy the razor.

*Don't spend a lot on your first razor you plan on restoring.

*Keep it simple and hand sand up to 1500 or 2000 grit starting from about 320 or 400 if the pitting is not to bad.

*Using ca for scale finish is A LOT of work, use g10 or micarta for your first rescale.

*Ask before you try something your not sure about.

*Send your razor out to be sharpened by a pro.

*Take your time and have fun. If your not having fun stop and come back another day.

Thanks everyone,

Chris

Great tips Chris. I would add:

* build a blade jig so you don't have to hold the blade while you're sanding.

* use a cutting lubricant, such as wd-40, while sanding

* if you want to use wood for your first rescale, use epoxy rather than CA.

* CA is superglue. That invariably comes up.

* if you aren't sure about something, stop and ask questions.

Your experience has been the same as mine. Everyone here has been so helpful. Every question I've asked, repetitive or goofy or not, has been answered patiently. Love SRP. The members make it great.

Good thoughts! I would add that the SRP Wiki has a lot of info well checked out for shaving and rebuilding/restoring!
Straight_Razor_Place_Wiki

Good points. Seeing you were able to asses those items, sounds like your learning pretty quick.

Only thing different I think, instead of g10 for first scales I say use wood. It is cheap, plentiful and a good base to work with. The finish could be done as a wipe on, or even oil. Not to sound evil, but likely the first set wont be kept on that first blade forever.

IMO, if not so concerned about the material cost, 2nd choice is horn for beginner. It too is a standard to work with, and looks so warm when polished and no finishes are used with it. So maybe second or third set in horn, and first few in wood.

+1 to what dirty chrome said, i know for a fact that my first set of scales didnt stay on the razor even one year, i hated the way they turned out, but i kept them till i had a better feel for it.

Originally Posted by socalkid

*Send your razor out to be sharpened by a pro.

*Take your time and have fun. If your not having fun stop and come back another day.

I agree with all point but this one.
Honing a razor is not rocket science. Anyone can do it. Restoring a blade is more work than honing it afterwards. And if you handsanded the blade, the edge will develop very quickly so it will not take too much time. Honing the blade yourself will save you 30$ per blade. (cost + 2x postage).

Oh and if you are shaping scales, wear a dust mask to keep the nasty dust out of your lungs.

Originally Posted by Bruno

I agree with all point but this one.
Honing a razor is not rocket science. Anyone can do it. Restoring a blade is more work than honing it afterwards. And if you handsanded the blade, the edge will develop very quickly so it will not take too much time. Honing the blade yourself will save you 30$ per blade. (cost + 2x postage).

Oh and if you are shaping scales, wear a dust mask to keep the nasty dust out of your lungs.

Bruno,

I said "Send your razor out to be sharpened by a pro" mostly because of the costs involved in buying all the stones needed to take a dull razor to a shaving sharp razor. It seems like most of the newer people joining are like myself. Under 25, still in school, and dont have the extra $150+/- to buy a set of decent stones. Also lets say you spent 10 hours working on your razor, now shes beautiful, you try to set a bevel, hone it all the way up to 12k or so. Then it comes time to do your very first shave with it and its garbage. Your probably not going to see the point in shaving with a straight razor if all that work was for nothing. I agree that restoring a blade is more work then sharpening one but sharpening one takes way more skill and a lot expensive stones.

Have a good one,

Chris