John Watts - Sheffield - Can I Use It?

[onotoman]

Hi Guys,

First of all I'm experienced with a Safety Razor but I have just come across a John Watt Straight Razor that I've had for quite a while. It came with a lot of Safety Razors blades etc.

The thing is, I'd like to give straight razor shaving a go and my question is, will I need to get the razor honed before I use it? I know this is a bit of a difficult one unless you actually see the razor but it looks to have been used very little. There is no rust and no honing flat areas (apologies I know this is the wrong terminology) it's in it's original case etc. It feels reasonably sharp.

Would I be better to send off to an expert for honing before I try it or would I be better to start with a Shavette type straight first?

I have a honing stone and strop but obviously no experience :-(

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Luc]

All right, I would recommend sending the razor to a honemeister regardless if it's sharp or not. The honemeister will make sure it is so you have the best chances. Even if it feels super-sharp, it doesn't mean it's shave ready.

Have a look at Joel's tutorial in the Straight razor section of the forum to see how to shave and how to strop. Stropping is essential between shave and should not be avoided.

A shavette isn't bad by itself, it's a different experience. In your case, you have a straight and a strop, I would say go with that path.

 

[professorchaos]

No reason, in theory, why you couldn't use the straight. Can't say for sure without pictures. John Watt rings a bell...is it from Sheffield?

My recommendation would be to skip the shavette and get your straight honed. Few things stink as badly as a shave with a dull straight.

 

[Luc]

No reason, in theory, why you couldn't use the straight. Can't say for sure without pictures. John Watt rings a bell...is it from Sheffield?

My recommendation would be to skip the shavette and get your straight honed. Few things stink as badly as a shave with a dull straight.

Yes, it would be sheffield, I used to have one, my first straight actually. Good blade!

 

[onotoman]

Thanks guys,

I think the advice is...send for honing before trying.

I'll let you know how I get on.