I inherited an Ern Straight Razor from my Great Grandpa

the ERN's in the database:

Category:Ern, Carl Friedrich - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Welcome to SRP. That's one beautiful blade. At 17 you're just beginning to learn to shave so don't count out learning to use a straight razor. There are many here who will help lead you through the process and the WIKI is loaded with information. Who knows, you maybe near a group or someone who could mentor you (and maybe your friends) into being the next straight razor generation.

Dude I'm 19 and I started when I was 18. Way I see it is I didn't ingrain too many bad habits before lol. Now I'll be shaving like a tru playah for the rest of my life. JK I'm no gangsta but seriously this is the real deal.

Yea man, ask someone to hone it and start shaving with it

A stunningly good-looking razor and a heirloom as well. Take good care of it.

If you're into wetshaving, you might want to follow the threads for beard prep tricks, creams, soaps and brushes. Switching to a good cream really helped my shaves when I shaved with one of those 3-bladed razors. Though some of them are quite pricey but used sparingly they last quite a while too. I'm sure you can also find good, affordable soaps.

beautiful razor. the value of the razor should be priceless since it came from your great grandfather. i would hold on to that one. i would have it honed and think about using it. you can find all the help you will ever need from the members here. do not rule out trying out such a great instrument..good luck

Dude,

Shave with it.

I'm 16, and I started 2 1/2 months or ago or something, and now I'll have the skill for life.

It's fun. It's easy.

It makes you smell nice.

I agree that you should learn to shave with it, but I personally would purchase another I didn't care about quite so much to learn on. It depends on your funds available, but having more than one razor is always a good idea. I would get a decent starter kit and then pretend you don't have that razor for a few months or so.

If you decide that straights aren't for you, put some kind of protectant oil or wax on it and put it away. You'll want it later.
J.

i say use it. the worst (besides dropping it) you can do to it is round the edge from improper stropping. so far as cuts and scrapes go, they usually arent that bad. and just b/c the blade is 3 inches doesnt mean any cuts will be 3. thats one thing that i thought when i first started. cuts are about the same as a cartridge but dont hurt as much. one piece of advice i would give is watch the distance between the scales and the mirror. i to this day bump the mirror while taking the blade from my face. guess i tend to lean forward a bit. also i would send it out to be honed. very nice looking razor.