Received my Baxter of California razor

**BrianTN** · 06-30-2011, 08:39 AM

Some of you may have read my last post mentioning that I am jumping into straight razors. I picked up a Baxter of California Not a Replica straight and it arrived today. For the most part I'm happy with the blade itself, but was a little surprised the handle is made of a flimsy plastic. With the blade deployed and ready to shave, the sides of the handle can easily touch with little force. Not what I was expecting for something of that price. Oh well, on to my first shave tomorrow...

**Dpflaum** · 06-30-2011, 08:42 AM

That is pretty nearly the norm for straight razors with stock handles. They are intentionally made of flexible materials as the wedge is not the same thickness as the tang of the razor.

**BrianTN** · 06-30-2011, 08:48 AM

Oh, nevermind this thread then

**Dpflaum** · 06-30-2011, 09:41 AM

Oh, I forgot to say good luck on your upcoming shave!

I just jumped back into the straight pool myself

**Brent** · 06-30-2011, 10:18 AM

Hey - thanks for the post. I never knew these razors were out there. They look pretty sweet

**global_dev** · 07-01-2011, 05:22 AM

are the baxter scales different from regular hart scales? mine seemed pretty decent even if they are plastic/polymer.

**BrianTN** · 07-01-2011, 12:06 PM

Well, my first shave went pretty well. I only nicked myself 4 times so there wasn't too much blood on the countertop

I've got to say, I'm really digging the cutthroat razor shave. Just hope I don't do much damage to the blade or strop while still being a freshman at this. Here is a pic of my new favorite tool with my everyday carry tool:

**global_dev** · 07-01-2011, 12:27 PM

Is the color off? I thought they were darker.

**BrianTN** · 07-01-2011, 12:31 PM

It is a little bit darker in person. I took the picture with my phone and I'm not a photographer at all.

**BrianTN** · 07-03-2011, 07:08 AM

Hooray, I didn't cut myself once today. I'm still having a little difficulty with my chin, though. Hopefully the next few times I can figure out that portion.

**BrianTN** · 07-03-2011, 07:09 AM

Also, is it a problem if you forget to strop before shaving?

**global_dev** · 07-16-2011, 12:19 PM

did you get the horween pouch?

**dakotaev** · 07-16-2011, 12:33 PM

If the shave was fine, it's not a problem if you didn't strop. Stropping just refines the edge and brings back some of the keenness, if nothing else the blade might feel a little more dull than usual.