Thread: Greetings razor aficionados

I'm so glad to have found this forum! As a barber who has started in 1983, being in probably the last class that required a practical exam that included using a straight razor full shave, I've seen the art fade away for quite awhile. Indeed, even we didn't use true razors but the shavettes that allow us to change the blades regularly to finish the haircuts around the ear, sideburns and nape. What's been cool though, is that I've had a few customers over the years just give me their grandfathers', uncles' and inherited razors; which I've putaway and pretty much forgot about. Over the last few years, I've been fortunate to have seen a significant increase in shave requests and I think my skills have increased from mediocre to pretty good and now I want to step up my game- using a straight razor, honed and stropped.. but, i used my barber hone and old strop and the edges aren't where they should be. Usable but i still followup with the disposable. So, i turned to the interweb - youtube. Everything i thought i knew was either misremebered or wrong! However; now I do know that I will have a place to turn to: where I can ask for advice of those who are very knowledgable and willing to share their passion. I look forward to picking out a few good razors to send to a honemeister, ultimately to acquire the proper tools to also tend to my equipment with what it so properly deserves and pass along this art to others so it can flourish for generations. Thanks

Greetings Scuba,

You found the right place! There are numerous members here that are rather accomplished at honing and teaching. I'm fairly certain that there are other members near you, and even if not, a sharp blade is just a priority mail box away!

Information in this joint comes fast and free, other than the cost of some good natured ribbing when something goes awry.
Hit the forums, learn what you can, and ask all the questions you need. We're all here to help!
Magpie

Welcome to SRP, scuba! Plenty of knowledgeable members here, so soak up all the information your can. Also be sure to attend a local meet-up if at all possible. It's a great way to meet fellow members and flatten the learning curve in a huge way. Nothing like hands-on honing instruction to get you going in that direction if you like.

Cheers!

Originally Posted by scubabarber

........... now I want to step up my game- using a straight razor, honed and stropped.

I don't believe it. A REAL barber who is willing to give a REAL shave. You my friend are a rare individual indeed and a priceless part of society. Do you give a neck and shoulder massage after the haircut like the old time barbers did? Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum. You have indeed stumbled to the right place. Lots of people with lots of knowledge here.

I have received lots of good advice in the short time that I have been a member and can't thank the people here enough, they give of their time freely. You will get to know the same people who help out time and time again. True gents every one of them.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.

Welcome to the forum

Welcome, it's nice to have you here! Looking forward to hearing more from you. Enjoy the forum.

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome aboard. I was lucky enough to find a actual barber that still uses straights when I first started. He honed my first razor and was generous with his time helping me as I learnt. Good to hear of a barber getting back to the best way.