Affordable Straight Razor

[BobbyH]

I would agree the Gold Dollar is not the best choice for a beginner; however, the OP has stated he is knowledgeable about knives and I am assuming he knows how to sharpen a knife and owns some hones. Anyone who can sharpen a knife can sharpen a straight razor - the only thing that remains is learning how to achieve the final refinement. That last part is very challenging; however, it is no easier with a $500 straight razor.

I have to chuckle a little when I here that anyone who can sharpen a knife can sharpen a razor. There have been quite a people who joined a dedicated straight razor forum that I belong to that blithely assumed that because they can sharpen a knife doing a SR would be no problem. Quite a number have posted later asking what they are doing wrong because they can't get their SR to shave comfortably. The two skill sets are related but not identical.

I don't know squat about sharpening a knife but have to ask if most people who sharpen knives have 1k, 3K, 8K and 12K hones?

I do not think shaving with a SR is a cheap hobby and the learning curve to be able to shave with a SR can be long and frustrating. Not trying to discourage anyone just saying go into it with eyes open. When you do get it all together shaving with a SR is a very satisfying experience, at least it is for me.

Anyway good luck to the OP.

Bob

 

[ToddS]

I have to chuckle a little when I here that anyone who can sharpen a knife can sharpen a razor. There have been quite a people who joined a dedicated straight razor forum that I belong to that blithely assumed that because they can sharpen a knife doing a SR would be no problem. Quite a number have posted later asking what they are doing wrong because they can't get their SR to shave comfortably. The two skill sets are related but not identical.
....

Yes, my statement was a bit provocative. The difference between a razor sharp knife and a comfortable shaving razor is measured in small fractions of one micron. It is that last 1/10 of a micron that requires very different skills from knife sharpening.

My point, poorly explained, was that the work required to get a new Gold Dollar to a razor sharp knife level is no different from re-profiling a knife.

... I don't know squat about sharpening a knife but have to ask if most people who sharpen knives have 1k, 3K, 8K and 12K hones?

I do not think shaving with a SR is a cheap hobby and the learning curve to be able to shave with a SR can be long and frustrating. Not trying to discourage anyone just saying go into it with eyes open. When you do get it all together shaving with a SR is a very satisfying experience, at least it is for me.
....

Like others, I spent many thousands of dollars on razors and hones; but eventually the novelty wears off - I haven't bought a razor or razor hone in nearly two years.

I can produce an excellent shaving edge with one hone and a strop - it does not need to be expensive...

 

[BobbyH]

Yes, my statement was a bit provocative. The difference between a razor sharp knife and a comfortable shaving razor is measured in small fractions of one micron. It is that last 1/10 of a micron that requires very different skills from knife sharpening.

My point, poorly explained, was that the work required to get a new Gold Dollar to a razor sharp knife level is no different from re-profiling a knife.




Like others, I spent many thousands of dollars on razors and hones; but eventually the novelty wears off - I haven't bought a razor or razor hone in nearly two years.

I can produce an excellent shaving edge with one hone and a strop - it does not need to be expensive...

Yes, no doubt a Gold Dollar can be made to shave and would be an interesting lesson on how to not make a razor. I don't think I'll bother with the effort though.

Yes, it is that small difference on the final finish that drives people to frustration who have had previous experience sharpening knives. That can't be done unless the bevel has been set in the first place and that too can sometimes be the problem.

Yes, no doubt you and others can produce an excellent shaving edge with one hone with a strop being required no matter how you got to that excellent shaving edge. Seems more than a number of knife sharpeners are not quite in that same league as you are though in that respect. I just would not take anything for granted is all.

I imagine sharpening knives can loose it's shine/novelty too once you can do it well enough. I just find that using a SR is a more satisfying experience than using other types of razors.

Bob

 

[strategy9]

I think the point is, if one can adequately sharpen one, it would in essence be "easier" to learn how to adequately sharpen the other. Even though the two skills are ceetainly not identical skill sets, many similarities do exist as a basic platform from one to the next in understanding angles and edges...

Still, I think vintage is the best way for anybody to go. You won't IMO get a "better" shave with a new razor vs. One from the turn of the century (properly honed). As good, maybe, but not better.