Thread: My First DE

I was on ebay last week looking for straights and an impulse to buy a DE kicked in. It arrived today and I wanted to see if you guys think I did ok for 10 bucks. It says LAUREL "SHEFFIELD" on the base of the handle. I'm keen to give it a try but I better do a little research first, but I might also ask you guys a couple of newbie questions if you dont mind, I have NO idea about using DE's.
How do you guys store them between shaves? do you need to take them apart to dry or do you just rinse them with hot water and leave them? Oil them?
I know this one has no real answer but how long do blades ususlly last before replacing, are we talking 1 shave-10 shaves, just a ballpark opinion.
The first 2 pics are how it looked when it arrived, the second 2 are after a little polish.
Thanks
Grant

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

You do not need to take your DE apart in between shaves. Just rinse it, wipe the handle and head with a towel, and let it dry.

How long blades last depends on your beard. Some guys get only two shaves out of a blade, while others can get over ten. On average, I would say three to five. I get seven out of Astra Superior Platinum blades.

Your razor looks similar to a Gillette Tech, but I am not DE expert, so I will let someone else take care of that.

Hello, Baldi:

Congratulations on acquiring that double edge razor. You will like the shave. I shave with the straight, but I keep my double edge razors in rotation.

I can't pin down the brand of that razor. Perhaps one of our double edge history experts will offer some thoughts.

No, of course not, you don't have to take the razor apart after every shave. Rinse it thoroughly, wipe it clean, mindful of the blade in the shave head, and let it air dry further. When you take the razor apart to change blades, wipe the razor thoroughly. About a once a month or so I do a mild scrubbing with soap and water, a touch of alcohol with a little brush, give the razor a good wiping and insert a new blade.

I have a standard rule of changing blades every three shaves. Currently I use Feather, Gillette 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge" (yellow packs), and I am finishing up the last three or four of my Super Iridium blades.

Remember many of the rules of wet shaving with the straight razor apply to the double edge: maintain your preparation standard, keep the pressure light, use short strokes, and, especially with the double edge, avoid excessive strokes over the same spot.

Regards,

Obie

Thats actually a great looking razor!
Congrats on the buy.

Blade lasting is a YMMW thing, but you should be able to get more then one IMO.

Rinsing it, well there can accumulate hair and lather inbetween the blade and the head, so some rinsing can be good. It depends on how tight the fit is.

I like to screw the parts loose, to the point right before they come apart, so that you have some space between the headparts and the blade. Rinse under running water, and let the razor sit to try, still loosily fitted.
When time for the next shave, tighten the razor and go!

Best of luck.

The Laural is a darn fine razor,was,like the wardonias Gillette clones,usually made to higher standards than the Gillettes.
The laurals,wardonias and Darwins were all made in Sheffield,for 10 bux that is a hell of a fine razor.
The feathers will be a perfect blade for it,enjoy.

FWIW --

My first experience with a Feather blade (in a Gillette 3-piece DE razor) was very unhappy.

They are _very_ sharp (when fresh). Use _no pressure_ when shaving.

Charles

Feathers are the sharpest,best DE blade bar none,respect them or they will bite for sure.Some palm strop them before using,seems to help a tad.

I usually just rinse mine and shake it out and hang it on the razor/brush stand. I'll get about 5 shaves out of Debry Extras before it starts to pull. As far as clean up goes, I do that when I change the blade and use Arm & hammer toothpaste to get the soap scum off and it put's a shine right back on it.

Others have answered your questions, but i just wanted to compliment you on the Razor. Very nice. Wanna double your money? JK