Just waving a hand

I've been popping in on this site for quite a while, perusing the forums. Seems to be a good deal of knowledge and a great deal of good will as well. I've been interested in razors since I was a kid, bought my first straight at about 16,...that was over 30 years ago! A $5 razor that took me over 5 hours just to put a reasonable edge on it, but I was hooked. I've collected all sorts of edged things over the years, but find that parting with a razor is the most painful thing that a guy with this "razor disease" can do. Perhaps because it is such a personal implement. Even the razors that I haven't personally used, were at one time, long ago something that was cared for and respected by it's long gone and unknown owner. Well that's pretty much my story. I appreciate this forum and opportunity to learn about other's experiences and knowledge, and perhaps share some of mine as needed. I offer sincere hello to all members and my sincere thanks in advance. May you all have a close and nick-free shave,..... just remember to lock the bathroom door. Carry on fellas.

Best regards,

Peter

Welcome, Peter. Great first post. I know what you mean. I keep seeing this image of some snot-nosed street urchin out of Oliver Twist killing himself in the factory that made some of my Sheffield blades. I'm looking forward to your further contributions. :D

Jordan

I appreciate what you wrote. For the reason you described, I always feel bad when I come across a post by someone who has joined simply to declare that they have a few of their grandfather's razors and they were wondering how much they are worth.

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Originally Posted by jnich67

Welcome, Peter. Great first post. I know what you mean. I keep seeing this image of some snot-nosed street urchin out of Oliver Twist killing himself in the factory that made some of my Sheffield blades. I'm looking forward to your further contributions. :D

Jordan

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Jordan,

Thanks for your warm welcome. I'm with you on that "street urchin", scenario, that's another point to consider when we think about these razors, especially the older blades. Dark shops, poor ventilation, no safety gear and lamp soot everywhere. Forget about workmen's compensation as well. Those craftsmen produced incredible goods or excellent quality for subsistence pay for the most part. A hundred years or more ago the "power" tools in a shop were all belt driven affairs run off a central shaft powered by water or steam. Incredible when you really think about it. Thanks again Jordan, stay well.

Best regards,

Peter

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Originally Posted by Utopian

I appreciate what you wrote. For the reason you described, I always feel bad when I come across a post by someone who has joined simply to declare that they have a few of their grandfather's razors and they were wondering how much they are worth.

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Utopian,

I'm semi-illiterate when it comes to posting to forums and such, so I'm unsure if your reply was directed towards me or not, but I'd rather err on the side of assuming that it was, rather than ignore your comments even if accidentally. I guess to be realistic,..money is a factor for some folk and that's fine, but it certainly shouldn't the dominant factor in this esoteric niche of razors. I can only speak for myself, but I have found that the things in my life that I enjoyed the most and or excelled at were the things I loved or loved doing. I think that's the "X" factor and one either has it or doesn't. I'm sure at some point we've all tried to share this world of razors with some guy at work,....and before you know it their eyes glaze over!!! No, it's not for everyone, but thankfully we have a place to congregate and share information. Before the internet there was no place we could go on a regular basis. Thanks for your comments. i'm sure we'll talk again, til' then

My best,

Peter

Welcome to SRP, Peter,

And thank you for sharing.

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Originally Posted by Givvingett

I'm semi-illiterate when it comes to posting to forums and such, so I'm unsure if your reply was directed towards me or not, but I'd rather err on the side of assuming that it was, rather than ignore your comments even if accidentally.

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Try switching to hybrid display mode: http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...ml?mode=hybrid (i.e. threads at the top of the screen, posts below).

Best regards,
Robin

Welcome to SRP Peter. I've often thought while shaving with an old Wade & Butcher that if this blade could talk what stories it could tell. :tu

Welcome to SRP, Peter.

I don't think Utopian meant you - you appreciate your razors not for their monetary value. But fairly often we get people who have just come upon some old straight razors and since they have no use for them are looking for clues of how valuable they may be.
To us having such heirloom is invaluable, but that's our hobby. It's good that there are people who don't have any interest in them as if we had to rely on only current production or our own families' heirlooms we'll all have very sad collections.

Anyways, hope you like it there. It's always nice to get guys who have been at this for decades, most of us are newcomers.

Welcome to srp Givvingett!

If not for the internet I wouldnt have shaved with a straight.. never saw one being used in real life or saw one in the shops... I'm not a collector of anything but I love to use them, hone them and bring them back to life.

Maarten

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Welcome to SRP, Peter,

And thank you for sharing.



Try switching to hybrid display mode: http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...ml?mode=hybrid (i.e. threads at the top of the screen, posts below).

Best regards,
Robin

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Robin that hybrid mode tip really simplified things for me. As I stated in a previous comment, i'm not too savvy on this kind of forum, mistakes will be made, but they'll be of good nature. I'll take it slow, I'm not ready for html code or even those animated emoticons,....yet! Thanks for your interest and greeting.

Thanks,

Peter

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Originally Posted by mlangstr

Welcome to srp Givvingett!

If not for the internet I wouldnt have shaved with a straight.. never saw one being used in real life or saw one in the shops... I'm not a collector of anything but I love to use them, hone them and bring them back to life.

Maarten

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You're right,..where would we be without this internet tool? In my experience, there's nothing like putting together a group of sharp and interested guys and bouncing ideas, sharing knowledge, there's just no substitute. As far as learning to shave,...well when I was about 16 my technique came straight from the old movies I had watched and then later from an old barber that lived around the corner. That old gent took the time to explain a couple things, particularly about care and storage. I'm sure that old fella must have thought I was nuts back then, but his genorosity hasn't been forgotten by me. That barber is gone for over 20 years now, (May you RIP John) but I still remember him fondly,.......now his $2.50 haircut, that's another story,....I wore a hat for 2 weeks, til' it grew out. Thanks for your interest Maarten.

My best,

Peter

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Originally Posted by gugi

Welcome to SRP, Peter.

I don't think Utopian meant you - you appreciate your razors not for their monetary value. But fairly often we get people who have just come upon some old straight razors and since they have no use for them are looking for clues of how valuable they may be.
To us having such heirloom is invaluable, but that's our hobby. It's good that there are people who don't have any interest in them as if we had to rely on only current production or our own families' heirlooms we'll all have very sad collections.

Anyways, hope you like it there. It's always nice to get guys who have been at this for decades, most of us are newcomers.

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Gugi,

I wasn't sure as to where Utopians comments were directed, but I figured it was better to be wrong and do something than to do nothing. I apologize for the intrusion Utopian, no harm meant. As for this line of collecting and using, when I step outside of it and try to be "objective" I can see why a lot of guys just don't get it, and that's ok I guess. Personally I've never liked "throw-away" or "disposable" anything. I gravitate to things that are crafted with care and true intention. I tend to like things that demand a sober nature,discipline and respect. When you think about it, the advertising folk really did a number on us. We went from having a shaver that you bought maybe a couple times during one's life, and lasted virtually forever,.........to mass produced multi-blade affairs that you must continually feed with $15.00 refills! A gift for THEM that keeps on giving!

I agree with you on people that are primarily interested in the monetary value of razors, it's a drag, but I think we should extend every courtesy to those folks,...who knows before long they could catch this bug and thus is born another collector. All of us collectors and or users are allies, the more people we have out there finding these pieces and rescuing them the better, that will keep this going for the next generation and beyond.

I have been at this a while, but doubt that my knowledge is any more valuable than a lot of the newcomers. Many times people with a "fresh eye" or viewpoint can see/understand things that an old head like me will just miss. Plus the fact that fresh blood has the energy and charge to do the research and try new things. I've looked around this site prior and was very impressed by the amount of practical knowledge you guys have, particularly in the various manufacturers and history of the companies.
Thanks for your thoughts Gugi, you just got a guy that types with TWO FINGERS to spill all that. Have a good one.

My best,

Peter

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP Peter. I've often thought while shaving with an old Wade & Butcher that if this blade could talk what stories it could tell. :tu

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I'm with you on that. I would have loved to sit in on a 1890 barber shop "bull session". The times were different, but I'm sure that guys back then had the same sorts of concerns and aspirations,...with one exception: I doubt that they worried about their horse getting a parking ticket while they were in getting a shave! It sounds like you have a real appreciation for these old blades,...few things look or feel as good as a big old W&B, you really know you're holding something with one of them pieces. Thanks for the welcome Jimmy.

Best regards,

Peter

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Originally Posted by Givvingett

that hybrid mode tip really simplified things for me. As I stated in a previous comment, i'm not too savvy on this kind of forum, mistakes will be made, but they'll be of good nature.

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Well, this a forum, and mistakes are made all the time. One of the beauty things about SRP is that we get along in a gentlemanly way. So, not to worry, just keep posting. :)

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Originally Posted by Givvingett

I'll take it slow, I'm not ready for html code or even those animated emoticons,....yet!

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HTML will not be needed. Those emoticons are available via the editor menu. Just click on one and it will appear in your post. You can also use shortcuts, e.g.:

Code:

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Smile = [ :) ] = http://forums.klipsch.com/emoticons/emotion-1.gif
Big Smile = [ :D ] = http://forums.klipsch.com/emoticons/emotion-2.gif
Surprise = [ :O ] = http://forums.klipsch.com/emoticons/emotion-3.gif......(Capital O)
Razz = [ :P ] = http://forums.klipsch.com/emoticons/emotion-4.gif......(Capital P)
Wink = [ ;) ] = http://forums.klipsch.com/emoticons/emotion-5.gif

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The rest of the editor window should be self explanatory. Just hover over the icons with your mouse, then you will get a tooltip.

Best wishes,
Robin