I'm new to straight razor shaving. I've been using a disposable blade Hess straight razor for awhile and I'm getting decent results (no blood for awhile, lol). I do have a Torrey straight razor that has been in the family forever and it seems to be in good condition. It's been sent out for honing. Would a strop and a barber hone keep me shaving? What do I need to maintain the edge?
O.K., Let's get started
- Thread starter oscar11
- Start date
This is a good place to start. The short answer is that you will want a strop (leather + cotton, or some variation) for everyday maintenance, and some sort of hone if you want to hone it yourself.
Hi,
A strop is essential for good straight-razor shaving. If you can't get a strop, then you can substitute by using layers of newspaper or an old, smooth leather belt, but these alternatives should really be seen only as temprorary solutions until you get a proper strop.
Honing a straight-razor isn't very tricky, but if you're not confident then you can always send it out to be honed. Learning to hone the razor is a good skill to have, it saves you money. You just need the honing-stone and your hands and some water and you'll never have to spend money on your razor again.
A strop is essential for good straight-razor shaving. If you can't get a strop, then you can substitute by using layers of newspaper or an old, smooth leather belt, but these alternatives should really be seen only as temprorary solutions until you get a proper strop.
Honing a straight-razor isn't very tricky, but if you're not confident then you can always send it out to be honed. Learning to hone the razor is a good skill to have, it saves you money. You just need the honing-stone and your hands and some water and you'll never have to spend money on your razor again.
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks, I do plan on honing my own razor(s) in the future.
This details one method of maintenance
http://www.thiers-issard.co.uk/SharpeninginstructionsDiamond.pdf
I use a 10K Hone followed by 1.0 micron, 0.25 micron diamond pastes finishing with Chromium Oxide all on strops as a maintenance regime.
http://www.thiers-issard.co.uk/SharpeninginstructionsDiamond.pdf
I use a 10K Hone followed by 1.0 micron, 0.25 micron diamond pastes finishing with Chromium Oxide all on strops as a maintenance regime.
At first, just a strop. If you get one that's linen or canvas on one side and leather on the other, that would be best I think. Just leather is good too but won't maintain the edge for as long.
The barber hone is good for touch ups so you should be right. I didn't like the finish of the barber hone so I *had* to buy a higher grit stone...
Oscar,
Most str8 users will tell you a str8 and good strop are all you need for a long while.
The unfortunate fact is that you will likely screw up the blade once or twice in the early days...and a hone touch up may be required. However you doing it yourself the first time is usually not recommended. Its better to send it off to a honemeister who has years of experience.
Then, after a few months and your shaves start to improve, you can get that barbers and that will literally be all you need for years...(assuming you're not like Luc and HAVE to buy another stone...and another...and another!)
Most str8 users will tell you a str8 and good strop are all you need for a long while.
The unfortunate fact is that you will likely screw up the blade once or twice in the early days...and a hone touch up may be required. However you doing it yourself the first time is usually not recommended. Its better to send it off to a honemeister who has years of experience.
Then, after a few months and your shaves start to improve, you can get that barbers and that will literally be all you need for years...(assuming you're not like Luc and HAVE to buy another stone...and another...and another!)
