Thread: Reaching back to go into the future

Straight shaving takes time and some study to make any progress or to know what you're doing. I would have sent you some cigars to help you while away the time studying, but didn't want to offend you with the provinciality of it all.

Hahaha...as another lacking in, "urban polish and refinement", I can only assume we are witnessing the two Hipster emotions, disdain and utter disdain!?! '-)

Like learning anything, it takes time and patience to acquire a new skill and become proficient at it. There's tons of great information and video's here that will demonstrate and provide the necessary knowledge to begin your first steps on this very interesting path.

Gotta go move the BMW now so I can feed the hogs...

Cheers!

Originally Posted by foldedandhoned

Ok... ...I bought my first razor from Vintage Straight Razor and I was not happy.

1. Why were you not happy?
2. What other shaving gear do you have related to a straight/open razor?
3. What brought up the term "Damascus blade"?

Provincial minds want to know.

Originally Posted by foldedandhoned

So, here I am, a freshman shaver asking the varsity crew to give me some pointers.

Welcome to the forum. You could look at Straight Razor Place Wiki - Straight Razor Place Wiki for a start if you already haven't. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. SR shaving does take a fair while while to get competent at so be prepared to be frustrated.

Bob

Ok, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the razor you bought might very well be useless. Do a quick search here on the name brand that you bought. A prominent brand from the site you mentioned has failed to impress and been suggested to be added to a list of names/producers that should be avoided. The next thing I will tell you is that a straight razor, even in great shape, has a very different feel to it as you are shaving than what you were used to. The blade leverage is completely different. You will feel resistance in the hand that holds the blade in a way that you are not used to. Couple that with a justifiable sense of fear/respect for the supposedly sharp edge your about to run over your face and it can lead to a lousy first experience. My first suggestion is to identify the razor you bought to see if its up to the task. If its not (again, I hate to be the one to suggest that it may not be) you will be in for a very disappointing introduction to SR shaving. If the razor is not an issue, the next thing to check in on is the edge it has. I know for a fact that I've bought razors in the past that were supposed to be shave ready but were far from it. If those issues are put to rest, prep and technique are next. But lets start at the begin and lets hear about the razor you purchased.

As has been said, please provide some more specific info regarding what you want to know, and maybe learn something called etiquettette, presumably being a big city, educated type you know what that means.
Most folks here are pretty reasonable. But your brand of "sarcasm" probably won't win you friends, at least not till you know them a bit better.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

As has been said, please provide some more specific info regarding what you want to know, and maybe learn something called etiquettette, presumably being a big city, educated type you know what that means.
Most folks here are pretty reasonable. But your brand of "sarcasm" probably won't win you friends, at least not till you know them a bit better.

Ed should know... his brand of sarcasm is in a league of it's own!

In all seriousness, with all the responses people have given here, you can see that we're certainly willing to help. I've also never witnessed anyone here advertise for a specific site more than others, unless it was because the merits of that site had earned it. If you search around, you'll see that there's a smattering of vendors and products listed that are given good and honest reviews. To echo what Glen (gssixgun) said earlier, it's very unfortunate you found SRP after purchasing your razor.

The bottom line is we want to help, so I'd say take the earlier suggestions and post up some specifics or questions you have and we'll answer them as best we can.

I'm with OCDshaver, I fear your razor cannot hold a sharp enough edge. Perhaps you can return it to Vintage Straight Razor for a refund?

Ok Now I have a bit more Info...

The Damascus blade you purchased, is Pakistani Junk steel try and return it for your MONEY BACK...

Many of these types of vendors have a whole new game they sell you that junk, then return it for full CREDIT toward a way overpriced Working Brand... Buyer Beware..


Please don't judge a real SR by the one you bought they are worlds apart, that said even with a perfect razor there is still a steep learning curve to this hobby, but obviously many of us feel it is well worth it

Again Location will help before we start pointing you toward a source,,, Our Classifieds here and Vendors Corner here, are worldwide and the chances of you getting the right stuff goes up to nearly 100% it ain't perfect but people that sell on SRP tend to value their reputations much more then the money they make

Originally Posted by gssixgun

...Damascus...

This is always a buzzword for a catastrophic first razor? Or do "Damascus" and "Vintage Straight Razors" not go well together?