Intro, thanks and simple poll.

Hello to all,

I've been nosing around here for a few months getting up the nerve to jump in, and buying supplies. Now that I have the basic supplies, it's time.

I've been a member of B&B for a couple years now and have been drawn over here from there. I call it a natural progression in search of a great shave. And, yea, an excuse for a new hobby or two...or three...or...

Lots of time, actually almost all this time has been spent reading, watching and learning. Thanks to all for your insights and advise.

I have been shaving lately with a Gem Junior single edge. For me, better shaves than a DE.

During this lurking time I've also been buying my initial set-up, which I am beginning to feel may be more than an initial set up.

I've bought both Lynn's and Bill Ellis' dvd/cd's. An amazing amount of info on those, folks! Been through both of them a couple times. I had planned on honing and restoring razors, but I think now that will be put off until I get the shaving thing started down the right path. As I read in one of the stickies here, one thing at a time. That was one of the "Oh sh!!...no sh**" moments of my studying.

Thanks to Lynn and Bill for you dvd's.

The razors I've bought have all been local. Four of them have been sharpened.

I was lucky enough to receive a free sharpening from Utopian (Ron) following one of his generous "first three repondents" offers. He was kind enough to do a Boker Red Injun that I had bought. ron told me the blade was in good condition except for a small pit in the face, and that there was absolutely no edge left on it. There had been and edge until I thought I would try to get rid of the pit and shine it up before I sent it to him. After going through the entire course of wet/dry paper, I really upped his workload, and wrote back an apology. Ron is a great guy to communicate with and learn from, as you all know from his posts. Can't wait to try the Boker. Thanks, Ron, for your offer and service.

Glen (gssixgun) has done up three for me. A DD Satinege of which he offered up a very nice compliment on the condition of the razor as I found it.
He also did a Geneva Special A and a Genco Henry's X. Thank-you, Glen for you time and quicker turn around that expected. Can't wait to use these, also.

I bought a Miller 3" Latigo/Linen, a separate 3" horsehide, and a starter strop. Thanks Tony for your advice and above-the-call-of-duty patience. He knows what I'm talking about. They are truly works of art and Tony is great to speak with over the phone.

I've picked up a Carborundum barbers hone at the antique mall and a generic barbers home from the local barbers supply. By generic I mean no name brand but it is a white colored arkansas. Can anyone say anything about the arkansas? Did I waste my time with it? If so, I'll stick with the Carb.

O.K. Now for the simple poll.

Which of the four listed razors should I start with? Geneva Special A, Genco Henry's X, Boker Red injun, or the DD Satinedge?http://straightrazorpalace.com/images/smilies/dunno.gif Should I save the Boker and DD until I become more proficient with S.R. shaving? Your input will tell the tale. I'll wait a few days and see what you folks have to say. Heck, I've waited this long, a couple more days won't matter.

And waiting in the shadows are a Henckels #60 which looks to be in better shape that the DD, a Shumate, which will be a project when that time comes, and a "NOS" Elixio. Shumate and the Elixio came from the bay. Anyone have any experience with the Elixio? Nicde looking gold wash that says Solingen on face of blade and tang has Best Silver Steel on it.

My gawd, look at this! I'm sorry this turned into such a long intro. I guess I'm just excited.

Best regards and looking forward to getting to know you all better,

Kevin

They're all great. You're in an unusual position as a newb. Which one of these fantastic razors from top makers should i try first?!
I'd say the DD, because i've been after one or a bresduck of some sort for a while. I'd try them one after another though!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben.mid

They're all great. You're in an unusual position as a newb. Which one of these fantastic razors from top makers should i try first?!
I'd say the DD, because i've been after one or a bresduck of some sort for a while. I'd try them one after another though!

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That would make for one long shaving day. I'm not sure my face would hold up.http://straightrazorpalace.com/image...cratchchin.gif

Well, I see I need some work on the icon thingies.

From a strictly monetary point of view, I'll disagree and say the DD should be last to use. The first razor you use is honestly the one that you can choose in answer to this question:

Which one would you be most willing to throw onto the floor and pound with a hammer?

The reality is that beginner's make mistakes. They drop razors, they bang them against sinks, they roll the edges when stropping, and who knows what else. All of those razors should be good shavers so that's not really an issue. Pick the one that you personally would be willing to sacrifice. Then, be very very careful with it!:D

I admire your patience in posting this question!

Welcome to posting on SRP. I would say that any of the shave ready razors you have would be fine for starters. In case you haven't seen it here is a post by Lynn for easing into straight razor shaving. Worked very well for me. I found that having a grounding in the fundamentals of wet shaving through learning DE shaving on B&B and SRP made the switch to straights easier. :gl:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

Which one would you be most willing to throw onto the floor and pound with a hammer?

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Ah yes, i hadn't thought of that aspect. When you put it that way, i change my answer to...Put them away safely & get a nice Double Arrow for the first month!

It was the excitement of having to choose with all those great blades that caused me to forget that your first razor has a certain amount of risk awarded to it!

Oh, & Kevin, i meant a new one each time you shave, even if it's day's apart, rather than one pass each. Ouch!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

From a strictly monetary point of view, I'll disagree and say the DD should be last to use. The first razor you use is honestly the one that you can choose in answer to this question:

Which one would you be most willing to throw onto the floor and pound with a hammer?

The reality is that beginner's make mistakes. They drop razors, they bang them against sinks, they roll the edges when stropping, and who knows what else. All of those razors should be good shavers so that's not really an issue. Pick the one that you personally would be willing to sacrifice. Then, be very very careful with it!:D

I admire your patience in posting this question!

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Thanks. This was my gut instinct. you have confirmed it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

From a strictly monetary point of view, I'll disagree and say the DD should be last to use. The first razor you use is honestly the one that you can choose in answer to this question:

Which one would you be most willing to throw onto the floor and pound with a hammer?

The reality is that beginner's make mistakes. They drop razors, they bang them against sinks, they roll the edges when stropping, and who knows what else. All of those razors should be good shavers so that's not really an issue. Pick the one that you personally would be willing to sacrifice. Then, be very very careful with it!:D

I admire your patience in posting this question!

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HUGE +1


I just heard this story yesterday about a razor I had sent out...

"Great edge Glen, wonderful shave Glen, How much do you charge to fix a chip as I dropped it after the first shave"??????

I swear to God, true story ...............

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben.mid

Ah yes, i hadn't thought of that aspect. When you put it that way, i change my answer to...Put them away safely & get a nice Double Arrow for the first month!

It was the excitement of having to choose with all those great blades that caused me to forget that your first razor has a certain amount of risk awarded to it!

Oh, & Kevin, i meant a new one each time you shave, even if it's day's apart, rather than one pass each. Ouch!!

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Double Arrow, eh? I hadn't considered that, but I certainly will now. Where might I obtain one of these Arrows? Duh, never mind, I can google.

One each time I shave!!Thank god. I thought for a second you might be one of those psycho S.R. guys I've heard about with a shaving obsession and death wish.

Glad that's cleared up.

Kev

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kevbell

Double Arrow, eh? I hadn't considered that, but I certainly will now. Where might I obtain one of these Arrows? Duh, never mind, I can google.

One each time I shave!!Thank god. I thought for a second you might be one of those psycho S.R. guys I've heard about with a shaving obsession and death wish.

Glad that's cleared up.

Kev

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I didn't mean to scare you off. Pick up one of those razors and shave with it! I don't think you need to wait on a Double Arrow. If you really want one, I'll sell you one of mine for cheap and get it in the mail tomorrow but you really don't need to wait. None of your razors are so precious that they cannot be replaced and if you are careful and attentive your razor will be fine.

Knocking on wood as I type this but I've never dropped a razor in my life. :shrug: nor dinged the edge on the faucet. I've cut a gouge in a strop though. :o

That's some good thinking, Ron, I guess one of the Geneva's then as they are easier and cheaper to replace.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

I just heard this story yesterday about a razor I had sent out...

"Great edge Glen, wonderful shave Glen, How much do you charge to fix a chip as I dropped it after the first shave"??????

I swear to God, true story ...............

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Come on, Glen, I've done a lot worse - my story goes like
'Well that guy's edge is supposed to be good, but I would never know because after it met the ground there's a big ole chip right in the middle of it - silly me, what a way to start. "Please, say, Mr. FreeHoner, which one do you think would be better to send you - the giant chip one or this other one I got on ebay instead?"
And Mr. FreeHoner started charging right after this incident....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Knocking on wood as I type this but I've never dropped a razor in my life. :shrug: nor dinged the edge on the faucet. I've cut a gouge in a strop though. :o

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Slowly stepping away from my poor doomed friend Jimmy :( as I see the dark clouds of impending razor dropage forming thickly on the horizon.....


:w

As a newb I started with three blades - a Satinedge, a Henckels 18, and a Challenge Cutlery (all square points, btw:p) - and if you think you're going to just use one or two while the others sit there unused, calling out to you - fuggedaboudit! Try them all!

Jordan

I say start with either of the Geneva razors. They are top notch shavers, but not "gasp in horror at my screw-up" valuable if you ding them on the faucet or drop it on the floor.


Also, I say drop that Arkansas like a hot rock. Stick with the Carborundum if it is really made for straight razors. Some of them weren't so be sure before you take a shave ready, but needing touch up razor to the stone.

Anyhow, the few I have had were pretty consistent, and they are great little barber hones: comfortable edges, medium cutting speed, practically indestructible.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Slowly stepping away from my poor doomed friend Jimmy :( as I see the dark clouds of impending razor dropage forming thickly on the horizon.....


:w

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:roflmao
I just busted out laughing when I read this. He is doomed, and he just bought a fancy new TI. Be careful Jimmy!

Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun http://straightrazorpalace.com/image...s/viewpost.gif
Slowly stepping away from my poor doomed friend Jimmy :( as I see the dark clouds of impending razor dropage forming thickly on the horizon.....


:w

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

:roflmao
I just busted out laughing when I read this. He is doomed, and he just bought a fancy new TI. Be careful Jimmy!

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You guys have me nervous now. :mad: That's why I was knocking on wood when I typed it. :gaah:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joke1176

I say start with either of the Geneva razors. They are top notch shavers, but not "gasp in horror at my screw-up" valuable if you ding them on the faucet or drop it on the floor.


Also, I say drop that Arkansas like a hot rock. Stick with the Carborundum if it is really made for straight razors. Some of them weren't so be sure before you take a shave ready, but needing touch up razor to the stone.

Anyhow, the few I have had were pretty consistent, and they are great little barber hones: comfortable edges, medium cutting speed, practically indestructible.

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The carborundum is definitely a barbers hone. It still had the original box.

Thanks.

Kev

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun http://straightrazorpalace.com/image...s/viewpost.gif
Slowly stepping away from my poor doomed friend Jimmy :( as I see the dark clouds of impending razor dropage forming thickly on the horizon.....


:w



You guys have me nervous now. :mad: That's why I was knocking on wood when I typed it. :gaah:

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I'll swap ya one of the Genevas for the TI and take care of that nervousness for you.

Kev