Thread: So I go to the Barber and . . .

I went to a local barber today to get my blade stropped (I'm still trying to find a really good deal on a strop and stone set) and it pleased him so much that there was somebody in this small city of mine that uses a str8, that he gave me a blade.

A Crown & Sword straight razor. Only problem is that it hasn't been used in years, and so it has pitting EVERYWHERE. So I'm wondering if it's worth trying to get it restored or if I should just toss it out in the trash or ebay.


Any ideas?


On an unrelated note, I'm obviously new here, however what I would also like to know is this;

Is it normal to want to shave often? Ever since I started this venture I want to shave more often, and actually hope for the hair to grow. My what a change of events!

Originally Posted by Blackhawk

Is it normal to want to shave often?

I am not qualified to answer that question, but if I were to skip my morning shave I would shave twice the next day to make up for it.

Dont throw it away, clean it up!!

Dont throw it away, pass it on to someone else or just hang on to it to be restored later.

As far as shaving often, nothing wrong there.

The difference is simple; instead of a generic, mass produced, utilitarian object being used to satisfy a mundane task, you now have a refined, artisanal tool that allows you to take pride in it's use and maintenance as generations of men have done previously.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I went from shaving 2x a week to shaving everyday. Its addictive and extremely pleasing.

I say keep it. Visit The Workshop section of the forums to find out hot to do a basic restore, if you want to try your hand at it, or you could contact one of the many members here that do restorations on straights. Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by BigMallard

I went from shaving 2x a week to shaving everyday.

LOL I went from shaving everyday with a mock3, to once a week sometimes fortnight with a straight.

@Blackhawk: Send it out to be restored, you will be pleased when you receive it back sparkly and new.

Thanks for the responses. I'm on the fence on whether or not I'm going to keep it or trade it for a strop. He has several blades that are just sitting there collecting dust. Looks like I have to go on a rescue mission tomorrow. I saw a couple solingen there as well as a Hoffritz str8s.

Here's the thing, when he gave me the C&S str8 he briefly ran it across the honing stone. I kinda cringed as it was severely dished and his method seemed a bit off and rather quick. He mentioned that he had not used the razors for many years and instead opted for the Feathered Straights (which I purchased online today for a backup) I'm actually thinking twice about going to him to get mine honed, but I'll be more than happy to pickup those poor blades that are just sitting there.


Oh as for shaving twice a week; I too was like that. As I'm not working right now (student) I used to let the stubble grow until it got a bit long. Now all I want to do is shave the minute it starts to grow!