Thread: Any experienced shavers in Istanbul, Turkey?

Hmm, I would think that in Istanbul of all places you should be able to find an old barber that knows his way around straight razors. I mean it's big city, cosmopolitan, but also has a lot of old history and traditions.
I thought there was a member few years ago, but I don't think he was from Istanbul, I'm thinking the asian part of Turkey.

But I don't really know, wouldn't be surprised if there are a dozen forum members from there either and I just haven't paid attention.

You gotta be kiddin me right. Check this out and welcome to SRP, the Turks got shaving down to an art for sure......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4__aDhhvGT0

and this one which is in Istanbul ....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDSWB4UFNFI

I also know a guy here in the states who just got back from Istanbul(brought me back the worlds best tea)and we were discussing the awesome shave he got there. Seek and ye shall find. Good luck and welcome to wet shaving sir.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone

I've noticed each and every barber in Istanbul has a straight razor and I'm sure I could learn a lot about technique from them, friendly as they are I'm sure they would gladly help. However they all use shavettes, I've never seen one use a fixed blade (I've been living in Turkey for close to five years now) Therefore I don't think they could help me out much with the stropping and especially honing of the blade.

I took my straight razor to a barber the other day and his eyes grew big when he saw it, he had never used one like this and even the owner (around 60 years old I guess) said it was an antique artform. He recommended I go to a blade salesman to get it sharpened. When I got there he showed me how to hone it on my stone, leading with the spine(!) I quickly said I got the idea and left

Originally Posted by Stefan271184

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone

I've noticed each and every barber in Istanbul has a straight razor and I'm sure I could learn a lot about technique from them, friendly as they are I'm sure they would gladly help. However they all use shavettes, I've never seen one use a fixed blade (I've been living in Turkey for close to five years now) Therefore I don't think they could help me out much with the stropping and especially honing of the blade.

I took my straight razor to a barber the other day and his eyes grew big when he saw it, he had never used one like this and even the owner (around 60 years old I guess) said it was an antique artform. He recommended I go to a blade salesman to get it sharpened. When I got there he showed me how to hone it on my stone, leading with the spine(!) I quickly said I got the idea and left

Hmm...well I guess I could offer this advice only then. Learn as much as you can from here(check out the SRP WIKI) and all of us and as far as getting your razor shave ready,send it to one of our honemeisters here. I know it might be a bit pricey S&H wise but,it might have to do till you can find someone there. I wish I could give better advice but,that's all I got. We're not a bad bunch to hang with though.Hope this helps you though

Oh and every thread is better with some pics isn't it?

I would love to hear your thoughts on what I've actually got here. The package says "Solingen S525" and I can vagely see "Belgium" written on the yellow side of the hone. A quick search online didn't bring many results..

ps. I like the idea of bringing a turkish barber's knowledge to the forum. If I find a good one I'll definitely give that a try!

Originally Posted by Stefan271184

Oh and every thread is better with some pics isn't it?

I would love to hear your thoughts on what I've actually got here. The package says "Solingen S525" and I can vagely see "Belgium" written on the yellow side of the hone. A quick search online didn't bring many results..

ps. I like the idea of bringing a turkish barber's knowledge to the forum. If I find a good one I'll definitely give that a try!

Not my expertise...nice looking though. I'm sure someone her will eventually give you some good feedback on your razor. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Nightblade

Not my expertise...nice looking though. I'm sure someone her will eventually give you some good feedback on your razor. Good luck.

Thanks for the help so far Nightblade!

That is a very nice looking Ern a very good quality blade,
thanks for sharing the pictures of it

C. FRIEDR. ERN & CO.
Solingen, Germany
ca. 1873-present

Not exactly what you're looking for, but Arif at the Sezer Kuafor (a pro, but no English) on a side incline street near the Blue Mosque gives an unbelievable SR shave. He uses disposables, but I have to imagine he trained on blades and knows the art. If you speak Turkish, I'd think you're in luck. Super gracious guy. Great experience. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions (wish I kept his biz card).