Newbie's first thread and question

Hello everyone, I'm a newbie who has just joined SRP. What a wealth of information. I have had some interest in straight razors for a while and have been watching them on Ebay.. I didn't know one from another. I sure didn't know which one to buy. I had found a video on Youtube by Lynn on how to shave and I've been hooked ever since. The information I walked away with that stuck was, "get a shave ready razor". I have been seeking one since and have recently purchased a great razor from Bob Keyes, one of SRP's members. He has been very helpful and I can't thank him enough for all his help and advice. Ebay said "ask seller a question", so I emailed him and the rest is history. He was more than just a little bit helpful. He helped me find a straight razor and a strop at a reasonable price suitable for a begginer. His first advice was to get Lynn's DVD.. He then turned me onto a number of sites, this one at the top of the list!

I'm anxious to get my purchases and start mastering the art of shaving with a straight razor. I have been advised to first practice with my strop and a butter knife, maybe even for a couple of days until I really feel comfortable so as not to damage my new strop before I get started. I'll watch the DVD a few times and then give it a try.

Wish me luck.

I found 2 razors at an antique mall here in Albuquerque today. Both seemed in pretty good shape, no nicks, or chips and very little rust. One marked Original Pipe razor on the handle. It was quite heavy and sturdy. The other was a dubl duck satinedge with a nice handle with 2 ducks on one side and the word satinedge on the other out of some kind of metal. The tang had pearledge I think on it. It had a clear handle and was a lot lighter. I don't know enough to evaluate a razors potential yet, but for 12.50 I figured I couldn't get hurt too bad. They are having a 50 to 70 percent holiday sale this weekend. It was fun just wondering how nice it might look restored.

Thanks everyone for the helpful post and videos.

Maq

you got a great deal!!! that double duck is one of the better straights. just make sure it is honed by a honemeister and i think you will be well pleased with that one.

Welcome to SRP. If you're like the rest of us you will never want to go back once you get comfortable using a straight. As for your 2 acquisitions, all I can say is if they are in decent shape you got a great deal. By the way pictures would be nice. Pipe razors make decent shavers and Dubl-Ducks is a highly prized razor. I have each and my Satinedge is one of my favorites. The Whostenholm pipe razor still makes it's way into the rotation just not as much (I have almost 2 dozen shave ready razors now). Take your time and learn lots from the WIKI, ask questions there's always someone here to help. You seem to have a good start can't wait to hear about your progress. Welcome again and good luck.

Welcome to SRP.
Sounds like your off to a good start, the questions you've asked and the research will pay off.

Nice score on the razors too!:tu

Not even shaving yet and the early signs of RAD are already showing. Your in good company around here!

Great blades. I'm not sure how much you'll learn from a butter knife. It won't be anything like a straight to handle, but i guess it doesn't hurt to try. When you strop, just start slow & really concentrate on technique. Watch a few videos, make sure you flip with the spine remaining on the strop & don't rush anything. The speed will come in time. Good luck!

Thanks guys for all the initial help and encouragement.. There sure are a lot of people here willing do help you in any way... I am anxious to get my stuff. I bet that first shave is a thriller!! My camera is broken and I am in the market for a new one this weekend so when that is taken care of I'll give you a few pics of my new set up and the fine purchase I made at the antique store. I had so much fun doing it I think I'll do it again.. Kind of like treasure hunting! I'm sure there are lots more treasures to find.

I have a cream and oil from, "the art of shaving" that I got for my birth day last year.. will that be ok to use? The cream doesn't seem to make much lather.. maybe it doesn't have to? I hear about people making all kinds of lather and using a mug or a scuttle. Which is the best? Tnx again

Maq

Hi and welcome aboard!

Take your time with stropping as this is the be all and end all to a clean smooth shave!

To be honest dont expect too much straight off from the first shaves as high expectations can leave you dissapointed.

Took me over a year and about eight razors and still counting to find my way and now its a pleasure to shave with a straight edge!

TheChef,
appreciate your post, and all the others.. sometimes you need to hear that its ok if it takes a while before you get a good shave with a straight razor. Thanks again, I'll be patient and take my time.. I had originally thought that honing was everything and that I would have to buy all kinds of expensive stones to hone with... then I was told that you probably won't need honing, if you are careful, but every three to six months. However stroping, you do every day you shave... seems pretty important to have a good strop and good technique.. I look forward to Lynn's dvd arriving.
Maq