Just bought a straight - now what?

[theclaw1975]

Hello gents, I am new to straight razor shaving and when I say new, I mean like I just bought a used Krogg from another member on here within the last hour or so . I started DE shaving a few weeks ago and it's going wonderfully. I too, have been fascinated at the idea of shaving with a straight razor, so I pulled the trigger. A couple other questions for everyone:

1. Anyone have an opinion on the Poor Man's Strop deal on Whipped Dog? I'm not wealthy enough, much less knowledgeable on how to use them, for an expensive set of stones.

2. I have never touched a razor to a strop, will I do more harm than good? I'm assuming this answer is yes in the short term... That being the case, how do I know when it's time to use the green or red pasted pieces of wood? Is this like "almost honing"? Is it normal for a 3 month "real" honing? Do you need to do the red/green stuff in the meantime and how often?

3. Can I get some honest opinions on this razor? I only paid $15 for it and there is some hone wear on the toe (I didn't notice in the pic) and figure if all this doesn't work out I'm not out too much money. Would the Sight Unseen deal on Whipped Dog be a good investment if I can manage not to cut my whole face off?

Thanks in advance for your valuable insights!!!

 

[Doc226]

Hello gents, I am new to straight razor shaving and when I say new, I mean like I just bought a used Krogg from another member on here within the last hour or so . I started DE shaving a few weeks ago and it's going wonderfully. I too, have been fascinated at the idea of shaving with a straight razor, so I pulled the trigger. A couple other questions for everyone:

1. Anyone have an opinion on the Poor Man's Strop deal on Whipped Dog? I'm not wealthy enough, much less knowledgeable on how to use them, for an expensive set of stones.

2. I have never touched a razor to a strop, will I do more harm than good? I'm assuming this answer is yes in the short term... That being the case, how do I know when it's time to use the green or red pasted pieces of wood? Is this like "almost honing"? Is it normal for a 3 month "real" honing? Do you need to do the red/green stuff in the meantime and how often?

3. Can I get some honest opinions on this razor? I only paid $15 for it and there is some hone wear on the toe (I didn't notice in the pic) and figure if all this doesn't work out I'm not out too much money. Would the Sight Unseen deal on Whipped Dog be a good investment if I can manage not to cut my whole face off?

Thanks in advance for your valuable insights!!!

1. absolutely nothing wrong with the WD strop.

2. You are likely to pooch the edge. Go slow, keep the strop tight, ALWAYS maintain contact with the razor spine on the leather, go slow. I never use pastes, some use it after each shave.

3. cant go wrong with a $15 dollar razor.

You need to make sure it is shave ready otherwise you are headed for failure.

WD is a fantastic way to get into straights, a lot of us here started with a sight unseen deal.

 

[Wullie]

WHOA young grasshopper..

First off, post a pic of your new razor. It would probably benefit from a pro honing and you'd be ready to learn to shave then.

Stropping is not magic, nor is it rocket science. I use a linen and leather strop and no pastes..

While it is possible to mess up an edge stropping, it's far easier to mess up a strop. Use a butter knife to get your technique down and watch lots of videos to get an idea of what and how to use a strop.

The learning curve with a straight is rather steep, but my no means insurmountable. Again, watch the videos. TAKE YOUR TIME. Start with the easy moves on your cheeks. Shaving with a straight utilizes muscle memory.

A shave ready razor is a must. If the razor isn't right, your face will pay, you won't enjoy and you'll go back to however you were shaving before you tried.

Larry at whipped dog is good people, but if you have a decent razor, then you are a bit ahead of the game.

I've never heard of a KROGG, is it perhaps a KROPP? Kropp razors are great shavers when properly honed.

Willie

 

[theclaw1975]

View attachment 305046Here she is - you're right - KROPP not KROGG, told you I was new at this!!!! The black spot is a stain and not a pit I'm told. The gentleman I got it from is selling some high end stones as well and says it's shave ready. I guess I should trust him and give it a go when I get it? Everyone else I've talked to on here has been awesome and honest. The other DE razors I've bought on here have been great and the sellers all very trustworthy.

 

[Wullie]

That is a good razor. THe stain won't hurt a thing. Watch some videos, get some soap and a brush and give it a go.

Just don't get in a big hurry. Your face will thank you.

 

[Sando]

I'd start with the idea that it's shave ready. Don't strop it or anything else before your first shave.
When you're ready, keep the spine close to your face and use short strokes. It's a learned skill like riding a bike and once you get it, you'll really enjoy it.

...Ray

 

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

Go to youtube, the straight shave tutorials are your friend. The one that worked best for me and is quite popular is GeoFatboy.

 

[oakeshott]

Sight unseen is how I started. Great way to get going.

 

[SAPed]

I went with Sight Unseen also and bought two razors right off the bat. Glad I did, I only used one of the two for the first 4 weeks, until I got a little better at it. Then I pulled out the other razor to feel the difference a good edge provided. Also gave me a benchmark for when I stropped the first one on the CrOx balsa wood. I bought the Big Mama strop and the balsa wood CrOx from Star Shaving. Good luck.