Thread: GF's old blade

Originally Posted by lowrideriggi

Just finished my first full face shave with my grandfathers "Union Cutlery, Improved Southern Queen" straight razor made in Union City GA. I have been attempting to get the razor in shape since my Dad gave me a very old blue paper bag that held it, a black honing stone with "Raven" on it and two brushes. He said it was my Granddads and had'nt been used in 40-50 years.
I had played around scraping on a flat spot on my face until I got it sharp enough to do a fair job. When I got through this evening I drinched my face in Old Spice After Shave. One mole paid the price but I'm still learning.
I did learn that Old Spice shave cream acts like glue when useing a straight razor. Especially when it's been heated.
Got to get some proper shaving soap and a good strp next. As of now I pan to make this a life long practice.

Newbie with similar story. Had been talking to my wife about SR shaving for a while so she got me some gear for Xmas. When I explained the gift to my folks, my mom went and got her grandfather's razor which she had kept. It's a Novelty Cutlery, Co. blade and was in pretty good shape for having been stored for so long. I cleaned it up a bit at home and then sent it to GSSIXGUN to be really shined and honed.

I love using it now. Shortly after I got it back they had the themed SOTD thread, so I posted my pic there:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...e1826-sotd.jpg

The honemeisters might be a bit apprehensive about honing an heirloom so make sure you let them know the razor's background. I got my blade back from GSSIXGUN probably about 5 weeks ago and it still shaves like you wouldn't believe. He has my recommendation.

Originally Posted by xman

Using a family heirloom to shave with is a dream I will never be able to reach. Congrats!

X

I can't imagine that the possibilities of you attaining that possibility are more remote than mine, X-Man. You gotta have a dream. I'd love to glide Granddad's blade across my face. Maybe, one day, I'll find that piece of furniture with the secret drawer meant just for me, replete with perfect shaver. We've got have a dream.

Originally Posted by spoulsen

I find this is a hard thing for me to do at times, especially ATG. It's psychological as I have to get over the image that laying it flat will peel my skin like a knife piece of fruit. I figure time will work this out, as I learn more about the ability of the blade with each shave.

It is particularly scary when the blade sticks to your face but as you say it's psychological & you'll get over it... especially when you see your shaves improving.

Originally Posted by lowrideriggi

This was an improper metaphor, sorry. The blade is basically flat on my face as I use it. Last night I used actual saving soap I bought at a local drug store and that made a huge difference over the airisol can. I used the word scrap to discribe a lack of a proper hone on the edge. When I look at the edge in a bright light it shows no shinny spots at all. Its just not quite right yet.

I suppose you consulted the 'oracle' ie Wiki re honing.
It's not rocket science but it's not learnt overnight either.
Help is always at hand on SRP if you get stuck.

I have some of my great grandfather's tools but no razor.

Enjoy and welcome to SRP.

I have past the threshold. I know straight razor shaving is what I'm going to do from now on. Yes I've drawn blood, yes I've had razor burn but there is somthing so satisfying and relaxing about the wet shave that I will never buy another multy blade again.
Thanks for all the input. I will now start growing my gear collection. Slowly but surely, piece by piece.

"Resistance is futile"
Welcome to the addiction

Originally Posted by lowrideriggi

Last night I used actual saving soap I bought at a local drug store and that made a huge difference over the airisol can.

My shaving soap/mug/brush is the slowest piece to arrive by mail. I am encouraged that my shave will improve once it arrives. Right now the chin is near impossible for me with a can of goo-gel.

Originally Posted by spoulsen

My shaving soap/mug/brush is the slowest piece to arrive by mail. I am encouraged that my shave will improve once it arrives. Right now the chin is near impossible for me with a can of goo-gel.

Yea, Bro Spoulsen. That canned cream is treacherous stuff with a straight razor. I can't believe anything in an aerosol can was ever designed for our type of shaving.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

I suppose you consulted the 'oracle' ie Wiki re honing.
It's not rocket science but it's not learnt overnight either.
Help is always at hand on SRP if you get stuck.

Honing is a skill I want to aquire. I know it's not the same as sharpening a knife but the thought appeals to my independent nature.