took the plunge

[gurana]

Well, I just got back from a business trip with my parker 96R. Made it all the way back home and my wife drops the dang thing on the floor. It looked like the head might've been a little bent out of shape. I'll try it out, but not before getting a replacement . I've had the thing only a month or so, and wanted either a futur or progress. Went with the progress... while I was at vintagebladesllc.com, I went ahead and got a DOVO "Best Quality" 5/8 with 3" black latigo strop!

My wife might be a little upset with me on this last point... My birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and she may have been wanting to get one for me. So I'm guessing she'll need alternatives... which I'll look to B&B for suggestions.

My plan was to get a four sided paddle strop with pastes. I'd like the tony miller heirloom 4 sided paddle strop, provided it is available. Eventually, I'd like a set of hones (will probably try and track down a cheap vintage razor to do this on ). My question is, how long can I expect to get by with just the strop. And once I get the four sided pasted strop, how long might I expect to get by with that before having to take them to hones?

I'd also like to extend a thanks to all the participants in this forum. It's been a great resource for me. Rest assured, I'm going to be combing through it again once my razor comes in for actual shaving techniques before trying it out on my face.

 

[Luc]

Congrats!

My only advice would be to get a cheaper strop as you will give it some nicks for sure. It would be a shame to cut a 3" strop!

 

[jsrdrnr]

WTG on your new blade!

 

[holiday]

Congrats!

My only advice would be to get a cheaper strop as you will give it some nicks for sure. It would be a shame to cut a 3" strop!

+1
I tried so hard not to nick my nice new custom strop, but alas.....
I think it is inevitable, one wrong move while stropping and the razor just bites the strop. Its so easy.

 

[gurana]

Yeah I thought about that... I was going to put in a separate order to ruprazor for a razor strop combo... was going to tell the wife that it was apart of the same set... this might be an issue.

 

[mdunn]

congrats on picking up a straight.

yes - you will nick the strop. but so long as you dont cut it too badly the strop will be fine. I still use my first strop (which ive nicked the crap out of) often.

 

[holiday]

congrats on picking up a straight.

yes - you will nick the strop. but so long as you dont cut it too badly the strop will be fine. I still use my first strop (which ive nicked the crap out of) often.

tell me about it, I've got some beauties in mine. I think the first time I touched the razor to the strop I nicked it.

 

[gurana]

I'm imagining that one of the reasons this happens is that it seems like it'd be something easy to avoid... I remember when I first got clipless pedals on my road bike. Everyone said that I'd fall as a result of them eventually. I practiced while holding myself up, went out on a few rides... then one day, it just happened. I came to a stop and wasn't paying attention and forgot to unclip first. Worst thing is I fell into traffic and am damned lucky there wasn't a car right there. So, I'm sure I'll end up nicking it.

 

[WhosYerBob]

Don't let her drop the new one on the floor!

 

[gurana]

Don't let her drop the new one on the floor!

Tell me about it! I'm trying to decided what to do with my stuff now... I'm thinking I need a new cabinent or something Actually, it was an accident, so hopefully it won't happen again.


Also, wondering if anybody has any info on one of my original questions, which was burried in the OP (quoted below). Thanks again guys.

My question is, how long can I expect to get by with just the strop. And once I get the four sided pasted strop, how long might I expect to get by with that before having to take them to hones?

 

[leighton]

My plan was to get a four sided paddle strop with pastes. I'd like the tony miller heirloom 4 sided paddle strop, provided it is available. Eventually, I'd like a set of hones (will probably try and track down a cheap vintage razor to do this on ). My question is, how long can I expect to get by with just the strop. And once I get the four sided pasted strop, how long might I expect to get by with that before having to take them to hones?

I'd also like to extend a thanks to all the participants in this forum. It's been a great resource for me. Rest assured, I'm going to be combing through it again once my razor comes in for actual shaving techniques before trying it out on my face.

You probably want a hanging strop. A paddle strop is more of a specialty item. Not to say that people don't use them, but the majority of people use hanging strops. You should start with a hanging strop and then decide if you want a paddle.

You can get by with just the strop for 10 shaves to three months. Why the huge gap? Because YMWV. It depends on your technique, your angle of attack, how many laps you do, how good at stropping you are, whether you have a linen component, etc.

I'd suggest reading through both the stickies in the forums and the links I've got in my signature.

 

[gurana]

You probably want a hanging strop. A paddle strop is more of a specialty item. Not to say that people don't use them, but the majority of people use hanging strops. You should start with a hanging strop and then decide if you want a paddle.

You can get by with just the strop for 10 shaves to three months. Why the huge gap? Because YMWV. It depends on your technique, your angle of attack, how many laps you do, how good at stropping you are, whether you have a linen component, etc.

I'd suggest reading through both the stickies in the forums and the links I've got in my signature.

Thanks leighton. 10 shaves to 3 months was actually the kind of estimate I was expecting.

I'm hoping that I can make it until my birthday, or Christmas. As for the paddle/hanging strop, I just wanted the paddle for pastes. Are you saying that people usually go with hanging strops for those as well?

 

[leighton]

Thanks leighton. 10 shaves to 3 months was actually the kind of estimate I was expecting.

I'm hoping that I can make it until my birthday, or Christmas. As for the paddle/hanging strop, I just wanted the paddle for pastes. Are you saying that people usually go with hanging strops for those as well?

Well, people who are penny pinchers will just paste the other side of their cloth strop. Assuming its reversible.

Those with the cash will opt for a paddle strop for pastes.

That said, some people really don't like the edge of crox compared to what you can get with hones or from a honemeister. Your edges will last longer the better you get at stropping and with the addition of a cloth strop.

 

[gurana]

this is a quick shout out to vintagebladesllc.com.

I submitted my order on 11/1 (a sunday). They processed and and shipped on 11/2, and I just got it in the mail today (so says my wife and also the UPS email notification.) I opted for the standard UPS delivery because it was free. I was tempted to get the 3 day, but figured I was in no particular rush and would save a little money where I could. Turns out, they're somewhat close to me, so getting the three day would've been a waste of money.

I'm just happy that they were able to process everything that first business day after I placed the order... not every online retailer is that quick.

I'll probably shave with the progress tonight, and then give the straight a go either friday night or saturday during the day... Hell, I'm thinking of leaving work a little early just to see 'em. Why, oh why, did I decide to catch the commuter train today?