Thread: Hello from Wales

Hello everyone. I am from Swansea in South Wales.
I bought a straight razor off ebay about six months ago as a curio.It was made for a barber in Swansea in the Victorian era, and I have an interest in local history. It seemed sharp when it arrived, but I had enough sense to realize they need to be very sharp and stroped to cut hair. I have always wanted to use a straight razor to shave as I had heard they give a good shave and are non-disposable, therefore not adding to the rubbish mountains us developed countries are creating, oh and its rather macho too
Anyway, I found a guy in the UK who hones and stropes vintage razors, back to their former glory.His site is linked to the Dovo's UK site too, so you can buy from both shop in the same "shoppingcart".
At the moment I am saving a couple of days "growth", so I can attack it when my new/old razor when it arrives. It's a John Watts Service razor, 6/8 fully hollow-ground round point from about 1910-1930. It cost less than a reasonable badger brush and is supplied really shave ready I also bought a Dovo hanging strop and some American crew shaving cream. I found a bowl of Wilkinson Sword shaving soap in Tescos for £1.50 which I'll try when I find my brush !

Here his site www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk I'm not linked to the vendor

best wishes Marcus

You've come to the right place for info, that's for sure. Still learning all the time myself! A few different challenges for the months ahead - get a good sharp honemeistered razor, learn to use it, maybe pick some more up . Brush, soap & cream - how to mix just right to make sure the shave is smooth. How to strop effectively and a bit later how to hone. Take it slow and enjoy - it's lots of fun and like anything worthwhile it takes a bit of effort to achieve. It is so important to have that well honed starter razor - gives you a good benchmark when you get round to honing.

We are looking at having a UK get together in Birmingham in September. Keep an eye out for dates in the appropriate forum if your interested.

Stephen

Hi Makar, thanks for the welcome. My John Watts arrived today. I showered lathered up and had a go. couple of little nicks which were caused by me trying to shave at a silly angle. but not a bad shave at all. I owe a thanks to steve from theinvisibleedge for putting a nice sharp edge on my razor. I'm eyeing a TI he has on his site, but, I'll have to leave a little time before I buy another (other than a flea market piece) my wife just doesn't get it.
I'll keep an eye out for your show/get together, I can't promise my attendance, but I'll try to come.
Cheers Marcus

Welcome

It's always nice to shave with something that you know a bit of history about. Glad to hear you enjoyed your first shave.

James.

Welcome Murcus - Hope you enjoy the trip.

You may want to purchase Lynn's DVD "The World of Straight Razors". Its over 3 hours of very good info. I found it very helpful to be able to see everything you read about here. It was the best $20 I've spent on str8 shaving. You can get it at classicshaving.com.

Jordan

Or email Lynn and buy direct from him - it works out cheaper that way also as Lynn just charged pretty much what it cost postage wise. I would recommend getting it also.
Be prepared for your wife understanding this new thing a little less when RAD sets in. I remember starting off with the "think of what I'll save by not buying disposables". I am now going through the "these are going to be heirlooms for our children to benefit from" phase!
Cheers
Stephen

Originally Posted by jnich67

Welcome Murcus - Hope you enjoy the trip.

You may want to purchase Lynn's DVD "The World of Straight Razors". Its over 3 hours of very good info. I found it very helpful to be able to see everything you read about here. It was the best $20 I've spent on str8 shaving. You can get it at classicshaving.com.

Jordan

Thanks Gents. I might get one of Lynn's DVD's.
I am going to find out when the barber who had my first razor made was trading. It should give me an idea of the age of the razor.
I had a though too while having my first straight razor shave ! "I bet my wife won't use this to do her legs or anywhere else"
She has asked if I'd "do the honours though" !
I've allready got my eye on a TI, don't tell the wife though