Straight Razor, New Skill, Learning is Good

[TURNMASTER]

Well I have an old JA Henkle straight razor that was my grandads. It came with a couple knives and other odds and ends. Well, that was almost 2 years ago and shortly thereafter I looked for a value for the thing. At the time, I thought since I would not be selling it, I should learn how to use it. Well that is what I did last week after making a barbers strope and picking up a couple of hones to sharpen it.

WOW, there is a sense of satisfaction after shaving with this razor that I have never had from a cartridge or disposable. Well, the last time I felt that way I was young and had just learned to shave for the first time, some 30 years past.

The razor and the strope
[attachment 187659 shave2.JPG] [attachment 187660 shave1.JPG]

Learning is a good thing, it keeps your mind young, even if your body can not quite keep up.

Jeff

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

Was it a little scary the first time? If ya slip with that thing you are going to the ER!
Sure is a nice piece. Thanks for sharing.

 

[7centsworth]

I would be scared to death to shave with that thing. I have always liked those old razors though.

 

[SeniorSeeker]

A Wise 'Ole Man Once Told Me..."Son...If You Do Anything For 30 Straight, You'll Get Use To It." Maybe He Had A Point?

 

[Anonymous]

Both my grandfather and dad used a straight razor and the strop was a reminder for Cliff and I to mind or else! Don't think it was ever used on me though....always too scared to not mind! May God Bless! Amen!

 

[Pete in MI]

I have one as well. Not sure the brand name of it. I hesitate to use it because I am on blood thinners. Mine has an additional part on it to make it like a comb. I have heard of or seen a video once on someone using a straight blade using a balloon and whip cream to practice. If you can get all the whip cream off the balloon and not bust the balloon you have done well.

 

[BARKER]

n/t

 

[SEMPERFI61]

the razor is not a cheap one made in spain,cannot get it sharp used a strop to no avail,so might try a stone on it next.will take $65 for it

 

[Anonymous]

Dad used to sharpen his pocket knifes on a whet stone, so it might work for a straight razor! May God Bless! Amen! Ma Betty

 

[BARKER]

one way to start to sharpen it is to use the knife sharpener on like a can opener. Then use the stone to put the final edge on it. be sure to use a little oil on the stone ok. I hope this helps. They also have Sharpening Service that guarantee a razor sharp edge for you ok. Then you just resharpen it yourself once a week. I believe they only need to be sharpened every 20 shaves or so. Anyway, Good Luck. PEACE:RONB

 

[TURNMASTER]

Yes it was scary. But I was (am) determained to use this tool properly and to be able to sharpen it myself.

To sharpen these things youput the edge and the spine on the hones. You start around 1000 grit and step up to 8000 or so then use a strope. I used 1000 then 6000 and 8000 grit steps then the strope. I got decent results overall.

Pete, Have you ever used a double edge safety razor? Some feel these have nearly the same qualitys in terms of shaves and satifaction.

I have got two full shaves in and this is definately a learned skill. I have given myself a couple of nicks, like 3. Use a styptic pencil and they stop bleeding almost immediately. This is a completely different way to shave and has a real sence of satisfaction, a friend of mine (and others as well) believe it is because of the process. One MUST not be rushed. Well worth the effort.

Jeff

 

[TURNMASTER]

Oh yeah if you google Straight Razor Place you will find an absolute wealth of information.

Jeff

 

[TURNMASTER]

One more thing! Much of the Henkles knives and razors are made in China and they now bank on the name and not the quality of the tool. Still charge the German made prices though. Be aware.

Jeff