Newbie with grandpa's straight razor

[illmattic]

Hi Everyone,



I'm interested in learning about straight razors and how to properly use them. I was going to buy one but found out that my deceased grandfather had one and its a black dorko that was made in germany. Above is a picture of the straight razor. I was hoping someone could tell me about it and whether its any good. I'm guessing I need to get it sharpened or honed before I use it. I was wondering if someone could lead me to where I can learn how to properly shave using a straight razor so I dont hurt myself.

Matt

 

[ANeat]

Hi Matt; The Dorko is a great razor, sounds like your grandpa had great taste. There are a lot of great how to shave videos on youtube. Honestly seeing it done by someone helped me more than anything.

Its a skill that is slowly developed, be patient and dont expect to be an expert right at the start, we are all in the same boat....

There are several guys on here that sharpen razors for folks and I recommend having one of those guys take care of it (Doc226 jumps to mind) but Im sure there are others

 

[Mo-beffah]

My favorites that helped are "geofatboy" videos on YouTube. Also forum meaner JKH was very kind to offer to me to hone up my vintage. Put an amazing edge and it shaves even better than my whipped dog straight. Not to say one is better or worse of an edge, but to me I'm getting better shaves with my JKH honed razor. And both are 5/8 round points. Good luck on your journey.

 

[Wid]

By far, the best shaving video out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIM0Coix6Gg&feature=player_embedded#!

 

[illmattic]

Thanks everyone for the help. I wonder do I have to switch the direction I shave? I can grow a pretty thick beard very easily and under my neck I shave upwards with a disposable razor just cause it feels more comfortable but I heard you should shave down with a straight razor.

Matt

 

[global_dev]

You can shave in any direction you want.

 

[ACorazza]

Thanks everyone for the help. I wonder do I have to switch the direction I shave? I can grow a pretty thick beard very easily and under my neck I shave upwards with a disposable razor just cause it feels more comfortable but I heard you should shave down with a straight razor.

Matt

DO you have any experience with a DE or beard mapping. If yes then you should know the direction in which you beard grows. Most including myself didn't consider this with our disposables. Once you figure out what direction your beard grows, you should try shaving in the direction of the growth (WTG), then perpendicular to the direction it grows (XTG) and lastly to get it super close you shave opposite the direction in which it grows (ATG). One thing to remember is that you don;t have to get it super close in just one pass, and that each pass removes hair to make the next pass easier.

 

[illmattic]

No I don't have any experience with beard mapping.

 

[ACorazza]

Beard mapping is used to determine which direction your facial hair grows. Have a look at this page http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Getting_started_wetshaving. Pay special attention to the "passes" part as it is discussing beard mapping

 

[mwhitcraft]

By far, the best shaving video out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIM0Coix6Gg&feature=player_embedded#!

+1. As far as where to go to learn how to shave with a straight razor, I cannot reccomend highly enough a forum called Badger and Blade.

 

[Doc226]

By far, the best shaving video out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIM0Coix6Gg&feature=player_embedded#!

Absolutely.

 

[wherndon]

I would suggest sending the blade to one of the resident pros to have it honed. Later you can get a cheapo to learn do it yourself.
Also I would start by only shave one part of the face, at first, until you get your angles, techinque, etc. Probably your cheeks, then move to other areas of the face.
Welcome aboard!
regards,
Bil

 

[wherndon]

By far, the best shaving video out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIM0Coix6Gg&feature=player_embedded#!

Isn't that the same fellow that shaved with an axe. or a cleaver, or something?

 

[AllenG]

Isn't that the same fellow that shaved with an axe. or a cleaver, or something?

He is the guy on the Thiers Issard 7 Day set site.

 

[eljaydub]

By far, the best shaving video out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIM0C...ayer_embedded#!

Great vid. I also enjoyed the Russian video of the guy shaving himself with a hunting knife that linked from it. I'm not sure whether that link should go here or in the 'Great Outdoors' forum?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=ihuEa6g6vN4


Enjoy the razor!