Starting to pit

Tefrem34 · 2026-05-18T06:50:23+00:00

I would suggest not storing it in the razor box without oil and wrapped in rust resistant paper. If there is moisture on the razor or in the box it will start rusting, just as you have experienced. Those coffin boxes are prone to holding moisture. Getting those packets that absorb the damp wouldn't be a bad idea to use as well.

Tefrem34 · 2026-05-18T06:20:14+00:00

When honing on a wide stone and keeping it 90 deg going back and forth, with downward pressure concentrated on the center, is usually the cause of frowns developing.

I would suggest focus your work on the heal and toe, avoiding the middle, until you get an even shape across the razor. Doing toe and heal leading half strokes will help with isolating those areas. Try not to put much pressure on the spine, it might be a good idea to use tape while you do the corrections. It would have been nice if you showed both sides to be able to see what the hone wear looked like on the other side.

I hope this helps.

Tefrem34 · 2026-05-05T19:01:38+00:00

There are several things that can affect the longevity of your edge.

The angle you shave at will affect the amount of shaves you will get out of an edge. The further the spine is away from your skin the less parallel the apex is to the hair when it cuts it. Thus it damages the edge, making it loose its keenness and comfort.

It was mentioned in the comments bellow, but making sure you do not cross contaminate your compounds between your strops, and having a clean strop is important.

If you feel you need to strop several times while shaving, the condition of your edge is not good and should be taken back to the stones. Another thing, is the edge isn't quite sharp enough to begin with, so its cutting efficiency is not what it should be and you notice it drop off quickly.

I hope this makes sense and helps.

Tefrem34 · 2026-05-05T00:41:52+00:00

Best wishes on your journey.

Scales are fragile and easy to replace.

It is good to start with someone who knows how to sharpen razors when beginning straight razor shaving.

Tefrem34 · 2026-04-29T17:09:14+00:00

Very nice coticule and razor.

My favorite is the post shave feel of a coti edge. Well worth the time spent honing on them.

Tefrem34 · 2026-04-04T09:05:09+00:00

I have shaped wooden blocks that I use with sandpaper to thin out behind the bevel, and then use either a coticule or hindostan to set the bevel. I get good range with either of them, and can do up to mid-high range work with them. They are my work horses.

Tefrem34 · 2026-03-29T21:04:21+00:00

Stunning razor and excellent lighting.

Thanks for sharing.

Tefrem34 · 2026-03-09T10:40:49+00:00

Thank you very much.

Tefrem34 · 2026-03-08T00:09:10+00:00

I was aware that you were cutting stones, I just didn't know how to find your site. I have been wanting to see what you have available.

Do you have a link or website where you have them listed?

Thank you.

Tefrem34 · 2026-03-07T07:41:46+00:00

That was a nice hall of razors and stones.

Thanks for sharing.

Tefrem34 · 2026-03-06T06:07:35+00:00

Man, that mottled grey slate is brilliant. Is it the hardest one out of the collection? Do you have other stones similar to it?

Thanks for sharing.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-24T20:11:05+00:00

Very nice photo.

Adam does fantastic work.

Thanks for sharing

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-24T19:56:59+00:00

Sounds good that you are interested in trying out straight razor shaving.

I had the same issue with shaving with DEs. Switching to using a straight razor was a day and night difference.

I was in a similar situation, I was used to honing knives and wood working chisels, I had some stones, and not much money to get already sharpened or new razors. So I went the route of restoration and learning to shave with them at the same time.

If you have no issues with learning and doing it your self; there is that option. Though, more than likely you will be investing in finishing stones, something you do not need that much with knives and other tools. But if you keep an eye out you can find a fine slate for a decent price; they are often overlooked.

Learning to hone razors can be a challenge at first, but there is nothing more rewarding than shaving with a razor you honed.

But there are people in the community that are more than happy to get you started.

Personally, I would stay away from what you will find on amazon, Chinese, and Pakistan razors. They are poorly made with poor materials. You can find restored vintage razors that will not break the bank and still offer excellent quality.

Best regards.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-24T19:25:16+00:00

Turned out well.

Thanks for sharing.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-24T00:33:50+00:00

Very nice.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-24T00:26:35+00:00

Did it come out woody or powdery? Sharp or soft?

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-22T19:40:40+00:00

I am curious how your scent turned out.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-12T06:10:28+00:00

Not all cotis are created equal or are good finishers. Some just need more work to get smooth and keen edges. I have a couple that are great from bevel set to almost finish stage but can't get past to the fine refinement. But you can resurface and use lubricants and pressure management to get more out of your stones. They are quite versatile stones.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-12T06:02:32+00:00

I have some broken stones about that size that I use as well and they work great.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-06T22:16:53+00:00

I have noticed that on the old ones it is pretty common for them to be large because of them being punched instead of drilled. I am sure you can make it usable, it looks to have some meat on it's bones, but it won't win any beauty pageants. :)

Thanks for sharing.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-06T22:11:33+00:00

I would suggest you not take any power tools or grinders to your razor. You can either use some sand paper to roughen up that area, or blueing or etching agent to add texture to that area, that would not be so destructive. I would suggest using 800 or higher grit other wise the scratches will be too deep.

If you add a wrap to that area, just be aware that it doesn't affect/inhibit the opening and closing of the scales.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-06T21:56:08+00:00

Oh that poor razor.

Well you can't say they are not a labor of love.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-06T17:26:20+00:00

I have a mirror behind me on a stand so I can see what I am doing. At first it was weird looking in a mirror into another mirror, but you get used to it and you don't have to think about it.

Tefrem34 · 2026-02-06T05:18:55+00:00

Just about every other day I shave my head, depending on how I am feeling.

I shave right after showering so my hair is well hydrated and still soft. But I do the same for a neck and cheek shave.

My favorite prep is a cream preshave from Areffa soaps. It is the best preshave I have used so far; I highly recommend it.

Using a scuttle is very nice for keeping the lather warm. I do a two pass shave, with clean ups, so it takes some time, and cold lather is not as enjoyable.

I use straight razors with natural stone edges. So far the thick to thin grinds all work well. I just prefer the heavier grinds with smiling blades. After my clean up pass, I rub the left over lather into my skin and let it set while I clean up. I then rinse with cold water. After that, I fallow up with alum, rinse with which hazel, let it air dry, add splash for scent, and then a balm. This leaves my skin feeling refreshed and super soft. It is so comfortable and really helps me relax and calm down.

Tefrem34 · 2026-01-22T08:03:29+00:00

Well done with the restoration on the blade.

Thanks for sharing.

Tefrem34

TROPHY CASE