Just got my first straight...need help...

[kopio]

Hello All,

Ok...I've been DE shaving for over a year now, and I've been thinking about taking the plunge. The other day I was at an antique shop and I saw this razor (for $9) and I figured, what the heck. It didn't have any major rust, pitting or anything like that...it looked like it was in really good shape, and at $9 for a Solingen blade I figured I couldn't go wrong.

Since then, I've found a couple of references to this blade on the forums and they seem to be pretty positive. I just ordered a strop (the Filly), but what I really need is a decent hone put on my straight. I've heard it mentioned here before that often times a honemeister will do a first hone for a rookie as a PIF....so....are there any honemeister's out there who would like to?

I've included pictures of my new straight, so you know you really are getting a pretty hone ready razor (i.e. no restoration needed). I've polished and polished, and I'll probably polish some more before I send it out.

ALSO...do any of you know about this razor, or how good it is. I'm guessing I got a steal, but if any of you have one...I'd like to know how it shaves for you.

Thanks for all your time...this forum has been invaluable for me.

Warmest Regards,

--Matt

 

[rsrick]

Looks to be in very nice shape. At $9 you can't go wrong.

Rather than jumping right to a hone, I would recommend finding someone with experience to hone it for you. This will allow you to start off with a properly sharpened blade and give you some feedback reference for your own honing.

Start off slow and you won't be disappointed with the shave a straight will give you.

Cheers,

Rick

p.s. it's just as easy to get hooked on the straight as it is the DE ... hope you've padded the bank account!

 

[kopio]

Hmmmm....as I'm looking over my post I realized that it just might be a bit unclear.

I'm not looking for a hone....I'm looking for someone to hone my blade for me so I can shave with it...that is...I want someone to get it shave ready for me.

Does that make sense?

 

[richmondesi]

Please understand that I'm not being critical, but you probably out to seek out the honemeisters here on the B&B and pay them the fee for their services. There are guys that will do it for prices ranging from $12-$20 which is more than a fair price for the work. If someone offers a PIF, by all means take it; however, $30 for a shave ready razor is a minimal investment in your new endeavor.

Good luck; you'll enjoy the straight

 

[Proinsias]

Have you had a look here:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=44244

 

[kopio]

So I was talking to my dad today (who has everything in his garage), and I asked him if he had any hones....he said, "yes, I do have 2 hones, but they are very expensive."...As in...."I don't know if I want to part with them." But then he said..."you can have them if you want to." So...who knows, I might just try my hand at it.

Proinsias, in the link you posted I saw that Papasmurf hones for free with shipping both ways...so I think I might drop him a line first and see what he says.

Anyhow...thanks for the info.

 

[olafurson]

That's a beautiful razor!

I know nothing about honing, mind you, but from your pictures at least it looks like the blade has been honed more at the point than at the heel? That might need professional correction... take it from me, the last thing you want to do is jump into straight razor shaving with a less than 100% perfect blade.

 

[SavantStrike]

That's a beautiful razor!

I know nothing about honing, mind you, but from your pictures at least it looks like the blade has been honed more at the point than at the heel? That might need professional correction... take it from me, the last thing you want to do is jump into straight razor shaving with a less than 100% perfect blade.

Actually from what I've read, some people prefer the blades that way, and some blades were even manufactured that way intentionally. The shape won't nesc. mean a bad shave.