Newbie stropin up

[Vekta]

After discovering my grandpa's(RIP grandpa) straight razor in a box I've decided to put the effort into learning how to use one.

I'm tired of electrics, can't stand disposables...really I've had enough.

I tried my grandpa's straight on one side of my face after having it checked over and it shaved real smooth. I finished the rest of my face with an electric and a disposable...and the only part of my face that didn't burn for half an hour was the spot I did with grandpa's straight.

I've got questions but it's way to late at night. (2:15)

I would like to say I hope I get to find out more cool stuff while I'm here and I hope to support some of the forum members.

Damon if you're out there I'll probably be getting a strop from you soon if I can get it together.

Thanks for your time, I'm off to bed.

[VeeDubb65]

Welcome to SRP. It sounds like you're off to a good start.

When it comes to questions, be sure you spend some time reading the wiki. It's one of the best wikis I've ever seen outside of wikipedia. If you don't find it there, or still want to ask anyway, just ask. This is a really helpful group. Lord knows I've learned a lot on here.

Also, if you're able, toss up a photo of your grampa's razor. People might be able to tell you more about it, and everybody around here loves seeing that kind of thing.

[gregs656]

yer, the Wiki is VERY good, and it will answer many of your questions and answer some you haven't even considered yet.

It sounds like you're off to a sensible start, keep us posted on progress.

Welcome to the forum.

[BHChieftain]

Post pictures!
-Chief

[gugi]

welcome to srp

[Vekta]

Unfortunately I don't have a digital at the moment or I would. I'll see if I can borrow one sometime this week.

But I can do the next best thing and post what all the markings say on it. They're still pretty readable.

On the blade itself it says "Bridge" in sort of a French Script kind of cursive lettering.

On the tang it says:

No. 20
Bridge Cutlery Co.
St. Louis

On the reverse side it says:

GERMANY

The handle is blond plastic/ celluloid and has a spike point blade. I don't know what size it is but the width of the blade is about 1/2 an inch.

[Croaker]

From Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings, I found this:

Bridge Cutlery Co. St. Louis c1902-1939. A trademark used by Norvell-Shapleigh and Shapleigh.

All the Shapleigh Hardware Co. razors I have seen were good.

[Vekta]

Thanks Croaker

It does shave pretty good. Specially since it hasn't been touched in gawd knows how many years.

There is no actual rust but the metal is pretty dark. I won't be attempting to remove any of it. It's nice to have but I'll wait for my wapi to come in the mail.