Any experienced shavers in Istanbul, Turkey?

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12-03-2013, 06:07 PM
Stefan271184

Any experienced shavers in Istanbul, Turkey?

Hello everyone,

Lucky dog that I am my girlfriend gave me a lovely birthday present this year. A Solingen S525 straight razor with one of those belgium natural hones.

I've been reading a lot on honing, stropping, shaving and everything else needed for an awesome shave but considering the learning curve, and not wanting to permanently damage my gift, I would really like to meet up with someone who knows what they're talking about (my main concern at the moment is if I have honed and stropped my razor correctly). Turks have in fact good strong beards but straight razor shaving is not popular here as far as I can tell, I've not been able to get any solid advice anywhere.

My question therefore is: Are there any pros from this forum living in Istanbul?
12-05-2013, 10:22 AM
gugi

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.
12-05-2013, 10:36 AM
Nightblade

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:tu
12-05-2013, 10:40 AM
Nightblade

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.:tu
12-05-2013, 10:44 AM
CaliforniaCajun

istanbul turkey barber shave - YouTube

I don't know about members in this forum but my You Tube link features some barber shaves in Istanbul. I'm a truck driver and we shower and shave at company terminals whenever possible because showers are free (as opposed to $10-13 at truck stops). Consequently, a lot of people see me shaving with a straight and it often results in conversations. If someone is interested I tell them where I go online to talk about the subject and buy razors. Perhaps if you go to one of these barbers he would be interested in coming here to discuss wetshaving in Turkey. It might enhance his business and he might enjoy sharing his expertise with us.
12-05-2013, 10:45 AM
Nightblade

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

istanbul turkey barber shave - YouTube

I don't know about members in this forum but my You Tube link features some barber shaves in Istanbul. I'm a truck driver and we shower and shave at company terminals whenever possible because showers are free (as opposed to $10-13 at truck stops). Consequently, a lot of people see me shaving with a straight and it often results in conversations. If someone is interested I tell them where I go online to talk about the subject and buy razors. Perhaps if you go to one of these barbers he would be interested in coming here to discuss wetshaving in Turkey. It might enhance his business and he might enjoy sharing his expertise with us.

+1 on that Idea CC !!
12-05-2013, 11:43 AM
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 :D
12-05-2013, 11:52 AM
Nightblade

Quote:

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 :D

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:)
12-05-2013, 11:56 AM
Stefan271184

3 Attachment(s)

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!

Attachment 148277 Attachment 148278 Attachment 148279
12-05-2013, 12:00 PM
Nightblade

Quote:

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!

Attachment 148277 Attachment 148278 Attachment 148279

Not my expertise...nice looking though. I'm sure someone her will eventually give you some good feedback on your razor. Good luck.
12-05-2013, 12:04 PM
Stefan271184

Quote:

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!
12-05-2013, 12:06 PM
Nightblade

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefan271184

Thanks for the help so far Nightblade!

My pleasure...have a good night.:chapeau
12-05-2013, 12:21 PM
pfries

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
12-06-2013, 04:38 PM
Stefan271184

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfries

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

Thanks for the response pfries. Have you ever owned an Ern?
12-07-2013, 06:33 AM
pfries

I have had a couple Crown and Sword razors they were made by Ern,
Quality right up there with a vintage Böker in my opinion.
It will serve you well if you treat it right.
12-07-2013, 11:08 AM
Stefan271184

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfries

I have had a couple Crown and Sword razors they were made by Ern,
Quality right up there with a vintage Böker in my opinion.
It will serve you well if you treat it right.

Wow that sounds good, I don't know the vintage brand you mention but I'm guessing it's a quality one :)

I tried some honing myself so I hope I didn't screw the razor up. I've found some shavers in Istanbul now though so I hope to get some face to face advice soon. Will keep you gentlemen posted ;)
12-08-2013, 07:55 PM
Brenngun

Wow, the guy in that first video has some mad skills. Watch the way and how quickly he removes lather from the shavette. I'd be slicing my palm up pretty good.
12-08-2013, 08:14 PM
Ryan82

Welcome to SRP :)

Try contacting someone from this group:

SRP: Turkey - Straight Razor Place Forum

or this list:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order=
12-09-2013, 06:49 AM
Nightblade

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brenngun

Wow, the guy in that first video has some mad skills. Watch the way and how quickly he removes lather from the shavette. I'd be slicing my palm up pretty good.

I've watched that vid more than once and have thoroughly enjoyed it every time .
12-09-2013, 07:47 AM
Stefan271184

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Welcome to SRP :)

Try contacting someone from this group:

SRP: Turkey - Straight Razor Place Forum

or this list:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order=

I joined the group and posted my question. Thanks for the tip Ryan!
11-18-2014, 10:52 AM
Oztin79

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).