sharpening | - Part 2

by Fendrihan December 14, 2016June 3, 2019

Choosing the Right Leather Strop for Your Straight Razor

Chances are good that you’ve seen a barber using his strop, either in the movies or while you’ve sat in the chair; he deftly sharpens and polishes his straight razor to perfection, ready for use. But these leather accessories aren’t just for barbers and movie stars. If you have a straight razor, you should also be using a strop at home to keep your blades in tiptop shaving shape. With repeated use the blade of any razor gets dull; after honing…

by Fendrihan April 30, 2016May 2, 2016

Finding the Perfect Pocket Knife

With all the variety we see in pocket knives, deciding which is the right one for you can be a sure headache. Depending on your needs, you may need a multi-purpose knife or a single, trade-specific one. Distinguishing between a cheap and well-made blade can also warrant confusion. Below, we’ve outlined all the specifics to consider when shopping for your perfect blade. Fixed Blade vs. Folding Blade While knives with fixed blades are by and far the strongest, they’re not…

by Fendrihan September 4, 2013September 22, 2023

Learning to Strop: A Short and Succinct Guide to Straight Razor Maintenance

Practitioners of classic shaving should be all too familiar with the painful embarrassment that blunt razor blades can inflict on their faces. As a result, it is no coincidence that practitioners have come up with all manner of methods to help them maintain a sharp edge on their razors, with one method being the practice of stropping. Although said practice was once limited to professional barbers in their barbershops, modern consumers have access to all of the tools and supplies…

by Fendrihan March 20, 2013September 22, 2023

Straight Razor vs Safety Razor: Pros and Cons

For beginners, using a straight razor can seem daunting because the learning curve is steeper than with a safety razor. However, for some gentlemen, there is simply no substitute for the close shave that only a straight razor can provide. For these men, shaving using a cutthroat razor is a labor of love, and they learn to savor the routine. Time is one of the considerations when choosing to use a straight razor or a safety razor. Some men believe…

by Fendrihan February 22, 2013January 29, 2019

How to Sharpen Razor Blades and Make Them Last Longer

If you are a sophisticated man who appreciates a smooth shave, then you may find yourself wondering how to sharpen razor blades. You may be surprised to learn that some shaving enthusiasts warn that sharpening modern double-edge blades is not recommended, as this causes them to lose their protective titanium or chrome coatings. They claim that these films can also deposit on the sharpening device, ruining it. Fortunately, DE blades are affordable so you will be able to replace them…

by Fendrihan October 10, 2012January 29, 2019

How to Use a Straight Razor Part 1: It All Begins With Honing

For men, there is no better way to get a fabulously smooth shave than by using a straight razor. Like so many other worthwhile endeavors, learning how to use a straight razor takes time and patience. Like riding a bicycle, it may take persistence to get the hang of wet-shaving, but the skill will last forever once you learn it. The first thing you must realize is that nicks and cuts are inevitable while you are learning. This is normal…

by Fendrihan July 13, 2012January 30, 2019

What Artificial Hones Are Available Today?

DMT Dia-Sharp Diamond Sharpeners and Bench Stones DMT stands for Diamond Machining Technology. DMT Dia-Sharp Diamond Sharpeners are ideal for straight razor users because they require no maintenance. Users do not soak, oil or lap these precision-made diamond plate hones. The surface of these hones remains consistent throughout years of use thanks to sturdy construction and materials. There are several different types of hones by DMT. The DMT Dia-Sharp Bench Stone is available as a coarse hone that comes in…

by Fendrihan July 11, 2012January 30, 2019

What Makes Artificial Hones Different?

When it comes to sharpening a straight razor, men can choose between natural hones and artificial hones. Artificial hones pose a greater variety of choices and greater availability. Unlike natural hones, which are mined from quarries, artificial hones are manufactured so their availability is virtually unlimited. When demand exceeds supply, manufacturers can simply produce more. Of course, supply is not the only way in which artificial hones have the edge on their natural counterparts. Artificial hones are more consistent when…

by Fendrihan July 10, 2012January 30, 2019

Know Your Hones: Natural or Artificial?

There are two basic types of hones, natural hones and artificial hones, however, they both serve the same purpose, to sharpen straight razors in between uses. In addition, there are many different variations within the two main categories of hones. Hones are also commonly known as sharpening stones. Some common natural hones are Belgian Yellow Coticule or Belgian Blue Coticule. The names of these hones accurately reflect what they are, both in origin and in substance. These stones are mined…

by Fendrihan February 2, 2012January 30, 2019

Kitchen Knives to Straight Razors: the Evolution of the Thiers Issard Brand

Today, the French brand Thiers Issard evokes images of superbly crafted, precise and durable straight razors, made with noble materials and adorned with beautiful, elegant designs. But the cutlery manufacturer’s history started down a different path, with the entrepreneurial vision of a forger at the end of the 19th century. Mr. Pierre Thiers, was already well known for his craft when he decided to start a razor company around 1880. Another thing he was famous for was his strength: he…