Thread: Getting ready to make the jump.

I have been browsing the forum for a few weeks now, and thought that it was time to chime in. I have recently swapped from disposable cartridges to shaving with a '48-'50 Gillette Aristocrat. I have always been drawn to straights, and can remember my Father having them around when I was younger. After a call last week, he has a few in the mail to me, with plans to give me a hand with honing/stroppinig when they visit for Christmas. I believe one is a Boker King Cutter and the other is a Wester Brothers Anchor. I have really been enjoying the swap to wet shaving, and am very excited about starting a daily ritual of shaving with a straight. I have had nothing but nightmares with multiple blade cartridges, and would go for over a week between shaves. As I have been blessed with thick, full facial hair, this would warrant hitting my face with clippers before shaving. After shaving, I would rub my dry, irritated face and wonder if there was another way. Bingo! I am pretty well versed in sharpening woodworking tools, and also pinstripe, so I have pretty steady hands. Now I just need to try them out!

Awesome site. I have already avoided a dozen mistakes just from the small bit of reading I have done on here. Thanks for having me!

If they're in decent shape, those are set to be some great blades. Although standard sharpening is a good background, razors are very different, so try not to get frustrated.

Another thing, don't underestimate how delicate that edge is, & how strokes in the later stages, so light you can't imagine them doing a thing can transform a blade from mediocre to superlative.

I am not sure if these are razors that I will use for shaving or for learning to hone. I think that the Boker is in pretty good shape, so I might stick it back until I get a good grasp on how to treat it. I am not really planning to start shaving with a straight for a bit, I am going to give myself time to adjust to the DE first, as my face is still in a bit of a transition from the disposables that I had been using. I am heading out this morning to a local spot where I found an old Higgins and an old Wade & Butcher for $20 per razor. Going to start grabbing them up so I will have something to work with when I learn the right technique.

Read everything you can find here and ask questions about the rest, practice honing on something other than the family keepsakes, have patience and have fun!

Welcome to SRP. What could be cooler than shaving with your father's straight razor and learning honing and stropping from him. SRP Wiki beginner's guide here along with 'your first straight razor shave' would be good to check out.

blockhead - That's great news! Of course you have the advantage of a father who can pass on his knowledge of straight razor care and use to his son. A priceless resource. I'm envious.

Wishing you an enjoyable holiday season with your family.