archer831

Hay mate
I watched a really good youtube video on honing (in 3 parts) im sure youve seen it. But it was on honing a 'Hollowed' blade. Do you know how you hone a wedge blade?
Do you know the best way to get rid of rust marks. I dont know if i have mentioned buy my brother, who as getting into this new shaving bizo, has bought himself a cheap straight razor from an antique shop, and he scored a freebie straight for me from a guy who used to be a barber.So i want to get it cleaned up and shave ready. There is a guy who has offered to do free honing somwhat near where i live, so ill send it to him to know how it should be befor i have a go at it my self.
O also my brother has found a cheap hone in America, '$8, dont know what the grit it is, but it seems like a bargin. Are there hones that need to be steared clear of. Should i grab a cheapy and give it a go.

Wow i should really stop, i think iv asked you a hundred and one questions. Im excited... can you tell???

Thanks mate im sure we will liaise more.
+Simon

Ok,

So for razor options.... if you go the the vendor area on this forum and go to the tread "Startup razor and strop" the guy who sells them is very nice. if you decide to go with his kit make sure you get the "Wapi" kit because the razor is swedish steel which some say is better than german steel. that set will come to you honed, polished, new & with a startup strop for $75. now you may need to get a better strop later on but the one he supplies will do.

The other option is to go on ebay and get a strop... they go from 20-100$. you can buy a razor on ebay but make sure you consult someone about it before you do. You can also get great deals on razors at the BST section of this forum, and the nice part is that you can trust most everyone. EBAY can be good and bad. JUST STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING MADE BY ZEEPK!!! their strops are passable but never ever buy a razor or hone from them!!!!!!

Little secrets:
1. You can get a great starter brush and soap at walgreens. they are surprisingly good. YOU NEED THESE TO ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE

2. if you cant afford a strop you can use stuff like news paper with a lot of black ink on it. the ink has a very light abbrassive quality that works great for straight razors. ( the only draw back to this is that you have to do 50-75 strokes as apposed to a leather strop you only have to do 15-35) You will eventually want a leather strop, but I recommend this method until you can get one that will last your whole life. I still use the newspaper method from time to time

3. To keep your razor sharp you will need to have it honed every 3-4 months. Many people do it on this forum for as low as $10. but if you get a thick plank of bolsa wood and put stropping paste on it and use it to stop like twice a month you may not have to have your razor honed but once every 6months- a year.

4. Focus on a good razor to start. That is the one thing that will make you fall in love with straight razor shaving. Once you decide you love it, then start getting the cool accessories.

5. Many people say there is no cheap way to do this. There IS.
I only have about $130 put into all of this and that is with 2 razors a strop and bolsa wood strop and a sweet badger hair Silvertip brush That I made.


6. Get a shave oil and after shave at walmart and a styptic pencil. YOU NEED IT TRUST ME.

7. READ READ READ!

8. Take it slow and wait for the best deal. if you rush into this, it leaves you with nothing but razor burn to your face and your pocketbook.

9. Talk to people. If someone offers you a deal on a razor, get another opinion, from me or anyone on this forum.




Let me know if you need anymore help. I can help you scout out a razor if you need to.

Thank you for you inquiry
Don't be shy,
Archer Scherer

Gday, i was wondering if i could get in on that 'directing a newbie' stuff. Im also brand spankers and would love some direction. Perhaps you could send me a copy of the PMs you send 'ladavis89'. I do have an old Straight Edge my brother piced up from an exbarber coming to me. I have also ordered a brush.
Love to hear from you.
+Simon