STRAIGHT RAZOR STROPPING: HOW TO PREPARE BLADE FOR a SHAVE: STROP BEFORE SHAVING & RAZOR CARE

[DjVader112]

I wish I was enthusiastic with shaving like you

[CorCat87]

what is the other side of the strop for?

[JuDoggin]

Lost art with the baby boomers! At 30, I love seeing these days of old restored. GREAT VIDS!

[brusethkt]

Got a new ‘American Made 3" Extra Wide Mountain Strop.’ The razor just glides over it and I don’t hear that scraping sound you get when stropping. I’m pulling the strop tight, and trying not to use any pressure on the blade when I strop. Not any luck. Any ideas on what I’m doing wrong? I like your videos. I am finally shaving without any nicks or razor burn (After about 15 tries), but no luck stropping. I had my barber strop it a week ago, but of course that’s just a stop-gap measure.

[fearofgodblablabla]

Is it possible to shave with a concave razor on both sides?

One more question

how often do you need to hone razor.?

[dgsilvervid]

Do the razors from Shave Nation come pre honed? Particularly the Dovo Straight Razor starter set.

[cowboy8555]

@geofatboy how do I know if my razor needs to be stropped or honed.

[daw162]

@cowboy8555 Your razor needs to be honed if the geometry of the edge has gotten out of whack (rounded over, etc), if it becomes chipped or if it's too dull to be refreshed by stropping.

If it starts to pull while you're shaving, it likely needs to be stropped.

[fernandezjoey1212]

thank you

[smrots]

So I finally got a straight razor and strop. On the strop it has a leather and a woven fiber. Am I supposed to use the cloth first before the leather?

[acdcboy]

I've read about some kind of paste to use on strops. I wasn't exactly understanding it. Do you put it on before each strop? Is it really necessary? And how do you know which one to use (if it is necessary)

[daw162]

@acdcboy non-abrasive pastes are intended to condition the leather or moderate how it draws (or pulls) at the razor while you're using them. Abrasive pastes are intended to remove metal from a razor to bring it back to sharpness or keen-ness.

You don't need to paste a strop all the time. In some cases, you will not need to paste a strop at all, especially if you buy a strop that has been pre-conditioned. You don't want to overdo it with strop paste or your strop will become a greasy mess.

[USAisAntiWhite]

As always, good video and good hints. Two questions: when do you use the linen part of the strap, and, I have what looks like two little dings in my blade that I probably hit the faucet. What do I do regarding them? Should I hone it or is stropping the answer? Thank you in advance and Merry Xmas.

[geofatboy]

@Ashleyuk1984

Ahhh, where's the fun in that?

G.

[xV13TCONGx]

Thanks for the video. I was curious though... do you apply any pressure whatsoever when you strap? Like even the tiniest bit? Because letting the weight of the blade alone to do the work doesn't seem as though it would sharpen.. also is there any angle you must have the blade? Because leaving it straight while you're strapping it.. wouldn't it cause the entire side to get worn out after time?

[xV13TCONGx]

@xV13TCONGx Srap.. stropping.. whatever it's called lol

[geofatboy]

@xV13TCONGx

Lol! I agree....

G.

[geofatboy]

@xV13TCONGx

The blade should be flat on the strop and you can perform an X pattern if you would like.

It's the weight of the razor for pressure, but that's about it.

Geo.

[JimPierce01]

Very nice video! Thank you for all these great and informative lessons. They are a big help!

[geofatboy]

@JimPierce01

Alright Jim!

G.

[nitro74cs]

Thanks alot for the videos, they are most informative and helpful. when you say never strop After shaving, is it harmful for the razor or is it unnecessasary?? Because some people say stropping after shaving is good, as it would dry the edge and prevent rust. it makes sense but what do you suggest?

thank you.

[geofatboy]

@nitro74cs

I suggest stropping prior to shaving, and that's it.

You want the blade super sharp before and during the shave, not after.

Geo.

[USAisAntiWhite]

As always, good video.

[geofatboy]

@USAisAntiWhite

Thanks!

G.

[devsteel13]

Just got a straight razor today, thanks for the tips

[geofatboy]

@devsteel13

Nice!

G.

[anquashie]

My fiance is new to using a straight razor. He has a steel blade that is dull. Should he hone then strop or strop then hone? I was also considering sending it out to be sharpened by a pro. What do you think/ suggest?

[ArtistBlade1972]

@anquashie The razor must be honed. Stropping only refines the edge. If he has never honed before he probably lacks the equipment and experience to do a proper job. You should send it out.

[geofatboy]

@ArtistBlade1972

Agreed. Thanks.

G.

[geofatboy]

@anquashie

If you don't have the proper equipment, send it out.

First hone it, then strop it.

Strop prior to each shave.

Geo.

[ltstmn]

Thanks! I'm a beginner, I needed this.

[Backinblack10001]

Love your vids geo mate.

Question....

Do I need to oil up my strop? I keep seeing 'buy essential oils for your strop'. I'm confused.

Many thanks - ted, Cheshire England

[CookingCollegeDaze]

And how many times.

[CookingCollegeDaze]

Am I supose to do just passes on leather or just passes on canvas or both

[smarmit]

Great video and thank you from a new straight edge razor user.

[chidoiguan]

Thank you for all your videos, extremely helpful! I have same black strop. Would you recomend using paste on it? Whichone? On the back side of strop or front? If front maybe only halfway? Thx so much!

[geofatboy]

@chidoiguan

I prefer to use a high grit stone like a Naniwa 12K and a Strop to keep my razors ready for action.

If you prefer the paste, try some chromium paste on the leather side of the strop.

Geo.

[jordanmylesevans]

@geofatboy Where can i buy a straight razor online? with a brush and bowl? i live in the uk..

[geofatboy]

@jordanmylesevans

Shave Nation dot com...

Shipping international 6 days a week.

G.

[mediadesignppg]

Awesome! Thank You for great demonstration.

Please,continue...we need every important details.

[geofatboy]

@mediadesignppg

You got it!

G.

[MoDeRnNeRo]

what do you have your strops connected to?

[geofatboy]

@MoDeRnNeRo

I have a resin coated shelf mounted to the wall.

What's nice is that the clip on the strop latches to it.

Easy on-easy off.

Mounted about waist-high which is ideal for me.

Geo.

[wizzie47]

Thanks for this video. I will get very soon my first straight razor (Pradat Brun) and I didn't really know how to strop it. Now I've got a better idea.

[geofatboy]

@wizzie47

Hi Wiz,

Pradat Brun....

I think it is a not too common razor made in France....

Let me know how it works out for you and if you are pleased with it.

Probably as unknown as my Nohoum Hatem Straight Razor.

Geo.

[wizzie47]

@geofatboy Hi Geo

I'm a complete noob regarding straight razor. This Pradat Brun is supposed to be mild. I'll see. And you're right, I never heard about the Nohoum Hatem brand... :)

[geofatboy]

@wizzie47

So how'd it go with the PB wiz?

[wizzie47]

@geofatboy Hello my friend :)

Still not tried it, I must buy a paddle. I will also try my straight during a week-end, as I guess I'll need more time than with a DE.

[geofatboy]

@wizzie47

Definitely take your time wiz,

You don't ever want to be rushed when applying a sharp metal object to your face.

Geo.

[wizzie47]

@geofatboy Hi Geo

I gave a try this week, I just made one pass WTG on the cheeks (that was harder on the left cheek with the right hand though). That was quite enjoyable :)

[geofatboy]

@wizzie47

After a few shaves you will likely find it much easier.

Geo.

[VincentandCoBxl]

Some experts (well, they say they are experts) would say that the X-pattern is mandatory if you want to get the best out of your razor

[geofatboy]

@VincentandCoBxl

I'm curious what the reason would be that the X-pattern would be mandatory to get the best out of a razor.

I would think that as long as the razor is contacting the strop evenly on both sides, that would get the job done nicely.

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@tornmask

No worries!

G.

[BeRant13]

You are truly an all American salt o' the Earth shaving superstar! Thanks

I don't always shave... but when I do....

[geofatboy]

@BeRant13

Awesome compliment!

There are a lot worse things I could be called....  :)

Thanks very much....

I don't always shave... but when I do...

Should I be finishing the sentence?

It sounds like something " The Most Interesting Man In The World" would say....

From the Dos Equis commercials. XX

Geo.

[TAXtheAtheist]

@geofatboy thank you for the vid!

[geofatboy]

@TAXtheAtheist

No worries!

G.

[BeRant13]

You are truly an all American salt o' the Earth shaving superstar! Thanks.

[camosplater]

Oh ok thanks, would it be cheaper to get a new one then getting it repaired ?

[geofatboy]

@camosplater

I'm not sure what you paid for your razor or what type it is, but it you may be better off using it as your new letter opener and purchasing a new one.

If you sent it out for repair, you'd be without its services for a while anyway.

Geo.

[camosplater]

Chips *

[geofatboy]

@camosplater

Got it!

G.

[camosplater]

What should I do if I've got some cheaps on the tip of the blade ?!

[geofatboy]

@camosplater

If your straight razor's blade has some chips in it, you should have it repaired prior to stropping it.

The chips will score or gouge your strop if you attempt to strop it.....

It needs to be honed down to a point past the chips, then the blade bevel reset and sharpened.

If you're not familiar with the process, you should send it to someone for repair.

Geo.

[cowboy8555]

@geofatboy can you please do a video on how to hone a razor and also the 20 doller paddle hone on your website will that sharpen a dull razor and can it be used as a primary hone

[geofatboy]

@cowboy8555

That will be coming soon....

The paddle hone is good for touch ups to keep your blade sharp.

Thanks, :)

Geo.

[tornmask]

hi Geo hope ur do'n well..i have the double sided "2 inch strop..one side hard & the other soft..what side do u suggest me using pls..thanks in advance..be well! =0]

[geofatboy]

@tornmask

Thanks very much mate!

Is one side linen or a synthetic fabric material and the other side leather?

G.

[tornmask]

@geofatboy : no Geo, both sides are leather i.e. natural leather side is hard & the black leather side soft..thx & i'll wait 4 ur response... =o)

[geofatboy]

@tornmask

I have an older strop that is the similar to yours.

The hard leather side is too hard to work well on a straight razor.

I only use the soft leather side.

Geo.

[Vlingvling10]

ok, i am new to a safety razor, and i generally shave both my head and my beard/mustache region at the same time... how often would you recommend changing blades? and do i flip the blade?

[geofatboy]

@Vlingvling10

I presently only shave my face, and I can get 4-6 shaves out of a new sharp double edge blade.

Adding your head into the equation, you will probably reduce that number somewhat.

You can flip the blade, but I don't believe it makes any difference.

YMMV.

Geo.

[Spoon26]

Geo, Do you have any vids on how to hone a razor? If not that would be an awsome vid to consider doing. Thanks!

[geofatboy]

@Spoon26

Thanks Spoon,

I don't have a honing video out yet, but one is in the works.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Subscribe to my channel if you haven't done so, and my new vids will be sent directly to your inbox.

Best,

Geo.

[Blitztheking]

I have a slight curve in my strop, even when I am pulling it tight the edges are a little higher than the inside center, it kind of makes a C shape. Do I need to get a new strop or can I fix this problem?

[geofatboy]

@Blitztheking

If you can't get your blade to lay completely flat across the entire width of the strop then you should look to repair or replace your strop.

Maybe it's just dried out and cupping as a result.

Try applying some strop paste /conditioner or neatsfoot oil and see if you can flatten it.

If that fails, try laying a cloth over it and going over it with a hot iron.....

If all fails, replace it,

Geo.

[ff87119]

great video!

[geofatboy]

@ff87119

Thank You!

Geo.

[sgtschmitty8013]

Can't I just strop with a leather shoe?

[geofatboy]

@sgtschmitty8013

I'm trying to remember how many professional Barber's I've seen stropping their $200 straight razor on their shoe..........

G.

[sgtschmitty8013]

@geofatboy Sarcasm? Because, i talked to a Japanese blade smith and he said i can i asked you because, i wanted more than one answers.

[geofatboy]

@sgtschmitty8013

I've seen people remove the belt from their pants and strop their straight razor, with good result!

If the Blade Smith said it's possible I'm all in!

Did he say the technique would work on any folding straight razor, or only non-folding Japanese style razors?

I'm just curious to what part of the shoe he would apply the razor to perform the stropping?

Did he elaborate at all on how to do it?

Sounds like a good idea for a future video if it works!

Geo.

[sgtschmitty8013]

@geofatboy Well acutally i asked him about knives but no he didn't elaborate I'll ask him again and tell you what he says.

[geofatboy]

@sgtschmitty8013

Thanks Sarge.

G.

[Kur0y4m4]

I just got my first straight razor. Doing some reading on the subject before shaving with it. Thank you for the info!

[geofatboy]

@Kur0y4m4

Smart!

Definitely do your homework prior to applying the blade to your face!

Check out my videos regarding Straight Razor Shaving.

I've changed my channel layout so that it's easier to find what you're looking for.

Geo.

Geo.

[nitro74cs]

Can you also make a honing video as well please. thank you for helpful videos and useful informations.

[geofatboy]

@nitro74cs

Yes,

Thanks for that.

I've had a lot of requests for that.

Soon I will break out the stones and put something together.

Thanks,

Geo.

[elituko]

I have a Dr. Jaques Lecoultre au sentier straight razor that I've had for about 35 years, but have never used. I'm sure you've seen them before, so you know this is a pretty old razor with the 4 blade set. It has curved blades as opposed to all the straight blades that you use and sell. Do you stropp a blade like this as you have shown in this video, with some varying style to make up for the curved blade? Should I even bother trying with this, or should I just keep it as a collector piece?

[geofatboy]

@elituko

That is a fabulous set and you should be proud to have it in your collection!

After reading your note, I'm ready to start scouring the flea markets, garage, and estate sales to try and scoop up a similar set (either 4 or 6 blades) for my collection!

They were actually manufactured in Switzerland, not France as one would think.

Supposedly the blades will sharpen easily and hold a keen edge for a while.

Did you get the case and the mini wooden screwdriver with it?

Strop it as normal.

Geo

[mrlintern]

Thank you very much,

I'm looking forward to it, just hope I can learn fast.

[geofatboy]

@mrlintern

There's nothing you can't learn with practice and perseverance!

Watch the Vidz, practice the movements, and you'll be shaving like your Grandfather in no time!

Geo/

[mrlintern]

Hi Geo. I'm about to start shaving with a straight razor and I'm getting conflicting information on whether you need to hone or just strop. And would a Dovo Bismarck be a good razor to learn with?

[geofatboy]

@mrlintern

It's a full hollow and a rounded point, which is OK. The 6/8 blade is a tad large and might take a little getting used to for a novice.

It is a nice looking razor though!

If it is "Shave Ready, you can use it right away.

After a few shaves, you'll feel it start to tug or pull on your whiskers, then it's time for a touch-up honing.

After that,you can strop prior to each shave to bring the microscopic edge to a nice point.

Good luck,

Geo.

[rextar23]

im so sick of spending money on razors.....im really considering learning how to straight shave...im sure it isnt that hard.

[geofatboy]

@rextar23

Invest in a good Safety Razor or Straight razor and you won't be disappointed.

There's a bit of a learning curve involved, but it's definitely worth it

Geo.

[geofatboy]

Greetings Mate!

Enjoy.

G.

[x46lmk]

Thank you very much Geo.I like your all videos,they are very useful and helpful!

Please do not stop it!

Big greetings from Hungary!

[geofatboy]

@x46lmk

Thanks!

Greatly appreciated.

Big Ups from the US!

Geo.

[fiero11]

Great videos for a the first time straight razor user. I've learned a lot from them! Stropping is my weakest point.

[geofatboy]

@fiero11

Thank You!

Stropping does have a bit of a learning curve, but you'll get the hang of it!

Keep practicing!

Geo.

[outwestjake]

Thank you for all your videos. I am very new to straight razor shaving, but your videos have been very helpful and informative. Thanks again!

[geofatboy]

@outwestjake

Thanks!

Glad you like them!

G.

[nitro74cs]

That was very helpful thanx alot, also can you please tell whats the best way to clean the soap scum from the blade?

[geofatboy]

@nitro74cs

Soak it in Dish soap mixed with warm water, scrub with toothbrush if needed.

Then, soak it in Barbicide for a bit to disinfect if needed as well if it was used previously.

Geo.

[xxtothe5]

Thank you so much. Very helpful video for a new straight razorer!

[geofatboy]

@xxtothe5

My pleasure!

Enjoy!

G.

[ALHNILIA]

nice video, thanks man.

[geofatboy]

@ALHNILIA

Greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

G.

[85227418022]

I bought the chinese 12k stone, is that good enough to keep me shaving for a few years?

What's the best way to use it? With slurry first and then without?

It would great if you could do a video on razor touch ups. Great video

[geofatboy]

@85227418022

That will provide your razor with a keen polished edge. Then strop, and you'll be good to go!

OK, I'll work on something for Straight Razor touch ups!

Thanks,

Geo.

[serbnizzle]

The guy at the Art of Shaving told me that i should run it 10-15 times on the "cloth" side of the strop to warm up the blade first and then run it on the leather side. i watched a lot of youtube videos and none of them mention that part? is this wrong or to obvious to answer????

[geofatboy]

@serbnizzle

He's right, good advice was given...

A lot of strops only have one strip which is leather on both sides...

If yours has the linen, or cloth on one side, Yes, you can give it a few round trips then head over to the lather side to finish it off!

Good luck,

Geo.

[ShnimShnamShazam]

Hey mate very helpful video. I have a question about using pastes on the strop. When I bought my razor and strop they came with instructions on using a red and a blue waxy paste on the strop. The old boy in store told me to put the red paste over the whole length of the strop (which was to help sharpen the razor as well as keep the leather nice) and a blue paste which was only to be used occasionally to polish the razor. Is this normal/accurate as i see you use nothing on the strop. Thanks

[geofatboy]

@ShnimShnamShazam

Thanks mate!

Click on geofatboy, then BLOG, I've written a detailed explanation there for you!

(There's not enough room in this area to allow a proper explanation)

Good luck,

Geo.

[el5cid]

This was a great video Geo, I honestly wished I had seen it before my first shave ever. I was not keeping the strop straight and I think i rolled the edge. Also, I made the mistake of not wiping of a brand new blade (did) but it was rusted a bit when I shaved a few days later. Rust is gone, but still have some water marks. Any idea on how to take those off?

[geofatboy]

@el5cid

Thanks for that!

I've had luck in the past with some superfine steel wool dipped in metal polish and just buffing very lightly...

Lightly, especially if you have any kind of inscriptions or engraving on the blade.

You could even try it on the tang, or monkey tail to see how it reacts prior to applying it directly to the blade.

No joke, I've even heard of Gents having good luck with tin foil dipped in Coca Cola! I tried it on a trailer hitch ball once and I was amazed!

Good luck!

Geo

[chefdemarty]

I really appreciate your advice Geo wish I lived in the US I would call on you a buy you a beer or 3. Will keep you updated

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

LOL!!!

Thanks!

Let me know how the Lap, Hone, and Straight Shave go!!!

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

LOL!!!

Thanks!

Let me know how the Lap, Hone, and Straight Shave go!!!

Geo.

[chefdemarty]

Should receive my Norton 4000/8000 stone tomorrow. Just gotta lap it then I will attempt to sharpen my razor. I will take you good advise Geo & get a 12000 stone when funds allow. Good idea about using the stones to keep my knives sharp ad you rightly pointed I am indeed a chef. Will let you know how I get on. Any advice on lapping ??

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

Sure, as far as lapping/flattening your stone, you can purchase a flattening stone or you can use a piece of sandpaper..

On a flat surface/marble/granite/your flat stainless steel work table.

Pour some water, place the sandpaper on that, pour water over it.

That should hold it in place. Now scribe a series of lines/checks on your stone with a pencil forming squares.

Now rub the stone on the sandpaper until all of the lines are gone!

Presto, you now have a flat stone.

Cool!

Geo.

[chefdemarty]

I assume you mean get the 12000 naniwa as well as well as the combo stone.

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

If you can swing it, that's the way to go.

Btw, I don't sell either one, but it seems to work best for me.

Also, if you are a chef (as your name might imply) You can use the same stones to sharpen your kitchen knives!

Dual benefits!

Geo.

Geo.

[chefdemarty]

Thanks Geo. I assume you mean

[chefdemarty]

Ho Geo. Thanks again for taking the time to advise. I am looking at a Norton combo 4000/8000 water stone in your opinion would this be all I need to maintain my razor or would I still need a 12000. I appreciate your help mate.

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty You can get an acceptable edge with the 4/8 combo stone.

If you can afford the Naniwa 12K, then go for it as it will leave you with a nice polished edge on the blade.

It's really good to keep in the bathroom for light touch ups with a slurry of cream to keep your edge in good shape prior to stropping.

Best,

Geo.

[chefdemarty]

Hi geo. Thought I would update you on my progress. I seem to be getting an edge at last, the Dovo is shaving better after plenty of stropping although I think it would benefit from a hone. As I don't have a water stone at this time I may send it away for honing. I still cannot get as close as my shavette which is really annoying as I know it should shave as close.

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

Hi chef,

You have a few different options, you can try adding paste to your strop, then you'll need a clean strop to finish it off.

Send it out and have it honed.. you will most likely need to keep doing this...you lose shave-time with your razor.

Or, invest in a water stone and learn to sharpen it on your own.

Whatever is best for you is the way to go.

Good luck,

Geo.

[chefdemarty]

Hi Geo. Well my Dovo Inox arrived today & as expected it's not quite shave ready. I gave it 50 laps on the strop but it still had a slight pull on it. Looms like I will have to invest in a Niniwa 12000 as suggested. The razor looks great though so will take my time & get it right. May have to call on you at some time for some advice should I have trouble getting the perfect edge. Thanks again my friend.

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

No problem, I'll be happy to help out.

Just let me know!

Geo.

[chefdemarty]

Thanks geo. Would a 12000 grit stone be the ideal? Appreciate your advice my friend. Should have my Dovo by Tuesday next so fingers crossed it will shave well.

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

Yes,

The Naniwa 12K stone is perfect for putting a nice polished edge on your straight razor!

Let me know how the Dovo works out!

Geo.

[chefdemarty]

Great video thanks. I have been using a Dovo shavette for the last 6 weeks & now moving up to a non disposable straight. I know most say shave ready but I am hearing that this is nit always the case. Can you advise on what the best practises is when I get my new razor. I managed to find a new Dovo Inox 4/8 French point & cNt wait to try it. Thanks again for the really informative videos.

[geofatboy]

@chefdemarty

True,

Shave ready is a term that is not always what you might expect it to be.

If your new razor slices through your whiskers without a problem (no pulling or tugging) it is truly shave ready...

If not, you may need some fine-tuning on a high grit water stone.

I use a Swaty or a Naniwa water stone then a light stropping and I'm shave ready again!

Watch my videos with a Boker and Dovo Straight razor and practice the techniques.

good luck!

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@jc10etheridge90

When stropping, always lead with the spine or else you'll cut into the strop and damage it....

Lead with the blade when honing.

Good luck,

Geo.

[123456789101112carl]

I have a Dovo strop, what side do I use, the rough or shiny?

[geofatboy]

@123456789101112carl

The rough side of your strop is most likely linen...

You can do 10 -15 round trips on the linen side, then switch over to the leather side for the final touch.

Best,

Geo.

[imberbs]

Do you put some grease or oil on your blade after the shave? Some say they do, others that it is unnecessary...

[geofatboy]

@imberbs

Some do, but I don't store my razors in the bathroom, so I've never had a rust problem.

Post shave I pat the razor dry with a towel and let it dry in the open air...

For long term storage, I would apply a light oil.

Thanks,

Geo.

[nico27004]

have you ever heard of empire straight razors? are they any good?

[geofatboy]

@nico27004

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the Empire brand....

G.

[nico27004]

i wanted a non disposable straight razor but couldn't afford the price of one at the moment. i see alot of sets on ebay cheap. like strops and 2 old style razors whatever that means lol! how do i know what one to pick. there are so many choices but i don't know how to know what will work and can be sharpened or what cant

[geofatboy]

@nico27004

Don't jump out and buy a cheap straight razor...

If it won't hold an edge , it's not worth your time.

Save up and get something made in Solingen Germany, Sheffield England, or Thiers in France.

Dovo, Boker, Edwin Jagger, and Thiers Issard, all currently produce fine straight razors.

Good luck,

Geo.

[Liveveryday]

Thanks for posting this video. I've just got a straight razor and this is really a great help. Thanks.

[geofatboy]

@Liveveryday

Thanks!

Good luck with your new straight razor.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions along the way!

Best,

Geo.

[TheStailfish]

Hey Geo, im planning on throwing away the gillette mach 3 cause im sick of it.

What would you recommend, a straight razor or a double edged one??

Thanks

[geofatboy]

@TheStailfish

I would recommend starting out with a safety razor. Once you become accustomed to using the safety razor along with a badger brush and a good quality shaving cream, you may be very happy sticking with that setup.

I highly recommend the Edwin Jagger safety razors at shavenation . c o m

Great looking and great shaving.

Then, if you feel that you would like to try something more challenging, & don't mind stropping & occasional honing, then try out a straight razor...

Best,

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@bsmyn0708

Yo Bas!

Ok, now I hear where your coming from....

I second your thought that the Safety is much better at trimming out/lining up than a multi-blade cartridge razor.

When I participate in "No-Shave November" or "Manuary" I get a nice line-up and trim out from the safety razor.

I've heard a lot of good things about the Andis, but I don't own one.

Back in the day, I would use a safety razor blade (without the razor) to trim out my mustache...

Don't try that at home, kids!!!

Best!

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@bsmyn0708

You're using a Mach 3 and you have ingrown hairs on your neck? Hmmmm...

So is your only safety razor a black plastic Feather (Popular) Model, or do you have something else?

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@bsmyn0708

Nah, you wont break it.....

When you're shaving and the blade is pulling and tugging on your whiskers instead of slicing cleanly through, it's time to get the rock out!!!

If your eyes start to water and tear up, get to honing...

Geo.

[nutty5000]

Hi geo, I'm new to straight razor shaving and your videos are a credit and inspiration. I just bought an inexpensive straight razor and currently ordered a 1k/3k sharpening stone. I was wondering whether that stone is capable of a good razor edge and how many laps would u advise approximately on such a sharpening stone.

[geofatboy]

@nutty5000

Thank You!

Welcome to the club!

You might need to go higher with the grits on your rocks...

I use a Norton Water stone combination 4000-8000 Grit to set a nice bevel and hone. Then a few laps on a Naniwa 12,000 Grit stone for a nice polish, then a nice stropping and I'm shave ready!

How many laps depends on how sharp you get the razor...

I test it on my arm (I shave off the hair at the base and then try it in the middle)

If you can get it to slice hairs 1/2 way, you did good!

Geo.

[nutty5000]

@geofatboy Hi again, I was wondering if you could show us the hones that you use to sharpen your straight razor and would it be possible to do a video showing us a demonstration of honing the razor to sharpness please. It would be a great help to me and others who may not be as proficient at it. Thanks.

[geofatboy]

@nutty5000

No problem, I can get get something together on honing the straights, as I have a couple which are beginning to tug a bit.

Several Gents have requested this type of video...Hopefully within the next couple weeks I'll get one completed for you!

Thanks.

Take Care,

Geo.

[nutty5000]

@geofatboy Hi, I was wondering whether the Naniwa stones were good for honing and if they are better than the Norton stones. Also i was wondering if these are good stones and worth the price from Naniwa : 220/1k combi, 2k/5k combi, 8k and 10k separate, all for $248 or in british pounds £159!!

[geofatboy]

@nutty5000

I'm can't say that one is better than the other because I have not tried all of the lower grit Naniwa stones.

I normally use the lower grit Norton Water Stones and then move to a Naniwa 12K Stone for a fine polishing and then a nice easy stropping and I'm shave ready!

It also sounds like very reasonable pricing on your Naniwa stones.

They are the proper grit variety to cover anything you might need to sharpen.

I would also look into a flattening stone...

Good luck!

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@bsmyn0708

When using a Norton or Naniwa stone to hone your razor, no oil is used nor is it necessary.

Even the manufacturer recommends soaking the stone in water and periodically squirting the stone with water during its use...

The pastes can be used in place of a fine grit stone to put an edge on your blade.

Then you need 2 strops, one with paste and then follow up with a strop and bare leather, no paste.

As I said before, I prefer a Naniwa 12K stone and don't care much for paste.

Geo.

[geofatboy]

@bsmyn0708

It's a matter of personal preference. I own a few different pastes, but I prefer to use a Naniwa High Grit 12K stone instead of getting involved with which paste to use. After a few passes on the stone, the razor is polished and after a bit of stropping, it's ready for shaving... Nice, simple, uncomplicated.

Best,

Geo.

[jodahugh]

Very informative video, especially to a newbie to straight edge razor shaving like me.

When would you use paste on the strop?

Best wishes, John (U.K.)

[geofatboy]

@jodahugh

Thanks John,

Welcome to the world of Straight Razor Shaving!

There are many different pastes that can be used to help sharpen your edge. Then you need a strop for the paste and a strop with no paste. Which paste to use? What color, what grade, etc.... It brings more questions into the equation.

I like to keep it simple.. I use a Naniwa high grit stone to put a nice polished edge on the blade, a light stropping on a plain leather strop, and commence to shaving!!!

Best Regards,

Geo.

hey Geo, that's a great video, thank you!!

Ok about stroping, but what about honing? How often do we need to hone our raz