So, I'm seriously considering trying out my straight razor. My dad gifted/PIF'd me his Whipped Dog kit (with poor mans strop) so that I can experiment with it, and then hopefully teach him. I've read a lot on the wiki/forum and watched a few of the youtube vids, so my questions here are mainly technical and related to care of the razor.
First, I've read that these razors can rust between shaves, so you will want to oil the blade (my razor is carbon steel). What kind of oil is recommended? I see the wiki page lists several but doesn't tell you what to stay away from. I live in a decently humid area and will only be shaving with it on a semi-regular bases (once or twice every two weeks). I have several gun oils (specifically RemOil and Shooters Choice). Will that work?
Secondly, a question about sharpening/honing the razor. The kit comes with a strop, which is used before every shave. That much I follow. For more long term care, Whipped Dog provides the balsa paddle strop. As I understand it, this could be replaced by a hone or a nicer pasted strop. Is that correct? Obviously I will put off such a purchase till much longer down the road, but I just want to get to understand the whole process better.
Thanks for helping the new guy!
The Nuclear Shaver
First, I've read that these razors can rust between shaves, so you will want to oil the blade (my razor is carbon steel). What kind of oil is recommended? I see the wiki page lists several but doesn't tell you what to stay away from. I live in a decently humid area and will only be shaving with it on a semi-regular bases (once or twice every two weeks). I have several gun oils (specifically RemOil and Shooters Choice). Will that work?
Secondly, a question about sharpening/honing the razor. The kit comes with a strop, which is used before every shave. That much I follow. For more long term care, Whipped Dog provides the balsa paddle strop. As I understand it, this could be replaced by a hone or a nicer pasted strop. Is that correct? Obviously I will put off such a purchase till much longer down the road, but I just want to get to understand the whole process better.
Thanks for helping the new guy!
The Nuclear Shaver