Glen aka @gssixgun Reach him via PM, or his website http://gemstarcustoms.com He's done a lot of work for many of us
Does it need sharpening? It might be ready to shave right out of the box. Take the razor and hold it just above skin level. Pass it over your arm and if it will "top" your arm hair you can shave with it. No need to send it in and it might not coke back as sharp anyway. When it won't catch and cut "free hanging" hair then it's time to send it in. Do you have a good strop? You will need one to maintain your blade. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
If it were me, I would send it out to have it honed first. Or, you could test it like I test mine. I take a single hair from my wife's brush, and see if the blade will effortlessly cut the hair, along the entire length. . The arm hair test isn't as reliable for me.
That's a pretty delicate razor and light. The specs say 39 grams. It also has a Spanish point. Don't get me wrong; this is a really nice piece, but (imho) not a straight for a beginner. These do not come with a shaving edge. This must be honed before using.
The razor seems to be pretty sharp but i haven't tried it yet. to be honest i shaved for the first time with my new feather shavett and cut my self pretty bad. so i will have plenty of time to send it off. i don't plan on shaving with it until i get my shavett mastered.
Might I suggest this thread from a few years back There is some really good info packed into the vid if you take the time to listen to what I am saying http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/video-what-is-the-shave-test.32920/ Bokers new from the factory are hit or miss on whether they will shave, but what is not hit or miss, is that fact that I have NEVER seen a factory edge that cannot be improved on, at least in the last 10 years of honing them They are sweet shavers you picked a good one
I've had about 15 razors that I've purchased that were said to be shave ready, and only three have been. But I also have very coarse facial hair, which makes a big difference.
Mute the corners. The spike on your new straight has a similarity to the heel and toe of the shavette. It's all too easy to set the blade to skin and dip the corner resulting in a cut. Often recommended as a first SR - Round Point. For a shavette you can gently dull the corners of the blade to help avoid those pesky points. A kitchen knife sharpening stone and a couple 90 degree rubs will dull the tips but leave the majority of the blade functional.
FYI, the straight razors are easier to learn on, than a Shavette. Straights are much more forgiving. . I would wait on the sharpened straight, unless you really like looking at your own blood.
As Mentioned By Glen..Any Factory Razor I have Seen & Honed Can be Improved on the Hone..In Fact..Some Brand Names Need Taken to the 1 K Bevel Hone.. Billy..
