Introduction

[TroutBum]

My name is Chris and I am entirely new to the straight razor. I expressed an interest in them and a friend of mine surprised me with one (it says Messerschmidt on the blade) a few days later. I have done quite a bit of reading over the past week or so, and I'm going to send this razor, along with another that has been given to me (a DOVO), off to be honed. In the meantime, I think I'll purchase a strop. Any advice on a decent beginner strop that won't break the bank?

A little background on myself would be in order, I suppose. I am 21 and in my last semester of undergrad, double majoring in Economics and Political Science. I'll be starting my M.A. in Economics this fall. I spend a great deal of time over at www.smokersforums.com, a great pipe forum with an excellent group of guys. I go by the same name over there. Pipes and tobaccos are a favorite hobby of mine, and I have a feeling I will dive into straight razors like I have into pipes and tobacco. I'm also an avid fly fisherman, and I have been guiding during the summer for the past four years. Enough about me, I suppose.

Cheers,
Chris

[cwrighta70]

Welcome!

Nice to meet another Chris. Great idea on sending the razors out. There are plenty of honemeisters on the forum whom everyone appraise. As far as a beginner strop, there are a couple of good options. Tony Miller @ thewellshavedgentleman.com makes a beginner's strop which is economically priced. OR you could check out THIS thread.

The Dovo is an excellent razor from what I understand. I would love to own one myself someday. I'm not very knowledgeable about the Messerschmidt, but I believe it is a Pakistani razor, which usually isn't a good thing (like most eBay razors). Don't quote me on that, though...I'm not certain.

Anyway, good to meet you. There's a TON of info here!

[FiReSTaRT]

Welcome aboard Chris. The best place to get a strop would be Tony Miller's shop at www.thewellshavedgentleman.com. He has everything from beginner strops to real extravagant stuff at prices that won't break the bank by any means and especially considering the quality of his work.

[Navy Chief]

Welcome to the board here, this is a great group of guys. I need to find my way back over to smokersforums sometime I have not visited for quite some time.

Chief

[JohnP]

Welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll find plenty of like minded people here.

John P.

[TroutBum]

Thank you for the welcome, guys!

[bbshriver]

Hooray for another young pipe smoking straight razing gentleman!!
I'm 22 and in MY last year of undergrad (mechanical engineering), also enjoy some pipe+english blend on occasion, and just getting into the straight razor.