Journal? We don't need no stinkin' journal!

[wherndon]

Anyway...
Been using a straight for a couple of months now, not every day but at least 2, or more, days a week.
I'm using a Parker shavette, and have gotten good results. Only a few boo-boos and usually atributed to not pulling my skin tight enough.
Today I tried my Pyramide for the first time. The seller said said it was "shave ready" so, what the hell? I'll give it a try.
Anywho, it DID shave, but nowhere near as close as the Parker. I also had to hold it at a much steeper angle to cut hair. Is this normal, or does anyone think I should have it professionally honed and stropped?
thx,
Bil

 

[Krodor]

between 1/2-2/3rd of the way from the tip at the edge, there is what looks like scuffing...is that a camera artifact, or does it extend to the edge? If so, can you give us a close up?

 

[wherndon]

thx Krodor.
The edge looks pretty good to my naked eye, but I cannot say for sure. Below are a couple of close-ups of the just the blade.
For a high res photo click on the links below.
Feedback is much appreciated.
http://wherndon.com/images/razor/_DSC1904.JPG
http://wherndon.com/images/razor/_DSC1906.JPG
regards,
Bil

 

[Krodor]

thx Krodor.
The edge looks pretty good to my naked eye, but I cannot say for sure. Below are a couple of close-ups of the just the blade.
For a high res photo click on the links below.
Feedback is much appreciated.
regards,
Bil

I went to the high res and saw this:


That's what I was concerned about. It should be a near-mirror the whole way across. natural stones don't leave the bevels as perfectly mirrored as lapping films/synthetic stones, from my experience, but those there are pretty big scratches. It's a little out of focus in the pic, but get yourself a magnifying glass and check out that part of the edge: looks to me like there are some chips in the edge...if they are real and not camera/shadow artifacts, your skin's gonna hate you for dragging that across it. From what I've seen so far, I'd get it rehoned -- I'd not call it shave ready.

 

[wherndon]

thx again Krodor. As a newb, I don't have a clue.
Any suggestions for someone to hone, check out my edge? I also have a DOVO Bismark on the way, and I hear they are not "shave ready" from the factory either...

 

[Krodor]

thx again Krodor. As a newb, I don't have a clue.
Any suggestions for someone to hone, check out my edge? I also have a DOVO Bismark on the way, and I hear they are not "shave ready" from the factory either...

I'd do it for you but life is about to get crazy here soon.
Lotsa places will do it for you. Try searching "razor honing services" or contacting one of the hobbyists who restore razors shown here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/293542-The-Goods!-Straight-Razor-Hobbyist-Gallery

 

[O.G.]

I can hone it for you. I only use coti's but I can help. Drop me a PM.

 

[wherndon]

Well, I went by the local Sally's, after work today, picked some Fromm blades. Stuck one in my Weck and gave it a try.
I tried it with the guard, at first, but didn't like it, so I removed the guard.
I have to say that it shaved really good, no burn. I did give myself a very minor cut on my cheek, but I think it was caused by my forgetting to pull my skin tight. I guess in my excitement to try something new, I forgot to stretch...

 

[wherndon]

Shave #2 with the Weck, nice and close, no burn but did get a very small weeper on my lower lip. Can't wait to try out a solid blade, but I think I still need moor practice.

 

[wherndon]

I hooked up with O.G. today, and he kindly honed, and stropped my Pyramide. I usually shave at night, but today I couldn't wait.
It was awesome. The feel of the shave was excellent. And, funny, the sound of the beard being cut was quite a bit different (nice) from from the shavettes.
I think I am hooked, I'm sure I will get over it, but I find myself willing my beard to grow...

 

[wherndon]

roll Tide!
my second shave with the Pryramide!
Again, very nice. I use a hot towel, then some AOS pre oil, then some soap. Pretty smooth, and I am getting better after watching some vids from y'all pros.
I also received a table top strop today, Lost count on the strops, but tried the Pyramide for the third time....
I like!

 

[wherndon]

I'm gonna forget my face, have a cigar, and watch the Bama game...

 

[wherndon]

Catch up...
Yesterday, 3rd shave with the Pyramide, not the closest shave, but since I have a blonde beard, no problem. I used the AOS pre-lube, shave cream, and post balm, in Sandalwood. My wife loves the sandalwood scent. I will probably see if they have some colonge (sp?) in the same.
Tonight, 4th with Pyramide. Good shave, still not as close as the Weck, or the Parker, but good just the same. Tonight I used "Bluebeard's Revenge" that I got from Fendrihan.com in Canada. Apparently Bluebeards Revenge is a European brand. Good scent, and the shave cream was very nice. Wifey still likes the Sandalwood best.

Okay, I shaved, rolled a couple of packs of cigs, and now I'm gonna have an Acid brand cigar, and a shot o' Jim Beam, my day is done.
See you tomorrow?
Bil