Hello, I'm New here

Id like to start by saying Wow! lots of information here, I can only hope to be half as knowledgeable as some here.

I have recently bought my first straight razor at a Antique mall for $20. The little bit I know I think I may have done alright. Although I will have to send it out to be honed, and even restored. I know it is a Genco, and I believe it says "head barber", and on the other side of the blade says "Classified". If anyone knows anything more specific about this razor, other then what I have found about the Genco company, I'd love to hear it. I have some photos if anyone is interested or if it will help with ID.

The reason I bough it, other then I like the looks, is I hope to use it to help me enjoy shaving. I do not like to shave as it is now, mostly due to those things they call "disposable", and the 2 - 5 blade cartridges, that I believe causes all the razor burn and in-grown hairs. I have recently started using a old saftey razor (also a purchased from a antique mall), and found it to give the best shave I have had to date. So I figured if going backwards in shaving technology one step worked, another has to be even better.

I hope to learn a lot from the group here, and maybe even be able to offer help myself.

Thanks,

Phil

Gencos have a great reputation, pics are always welcome and in your case recommended, let's see what we have to work with! It more than likely will need some TLC before it can be put to use. Welcome to SRP and the best shave in town!

Here is a few photos (please note I am no where near the photographer I'd Like to be). I don't think that the photos show the little bit of pitting/rust. There are a few tiny (very hard to see) spots on the edge itself. The blade looks straight, not chips, or dings.

Thanks

Phil

Welcome!

It looks like a good razor,I hope you enjoy the experience.

I didn't see any nicks or chips in the blade so I am going to assume the blade is fine. Check the classifieds and get it pro honed by a member here @ SRP and while you are waiting for the return of your razor get your kit together and study the wiki and the current beginner threads. Good luck!

Hi,
Nice razor!!-and those pics are fine.
I like the design on the scales too.All in all you have yourself a fine razor!
Have it honed and start your journey.
Welcome to SRP-and may you have many smooth shaves.
Regards
Noggs :)

Very nice razor. I have its twin brother. Great shaver, you are going to like it.

+1 on having it professionally honed to start. You will save untold headaches and cash. There are enough variables in this art. Reduce them by one - and a very important one!

David

Phil,

Welcome.

That's a nice looking razor. Should serve you well, especially now that you are getting it properly sharpened. Now you need to get a strop that is serviceable but not so good you will cry when you ding it up a little bit learning to strop. That and a good shaving cream and you are ready to start the learning process with the right tools.

Marc

Hello pcase1060 and welcome to SRP. :D
Gencos are great shavers. I have one and do enjoy my shaves off of it. As other have metioned, at this stage, it would be best to send it off for some proper honing...great choices from the classifieds here so you can start out straight shaving right.

Again, welcome.

Mac

Welcome,
And congrats on the purchase of a great razor!

Concerning strops, you'll see basically two recommendations. One is to purchase an inexpensive strop. Given the number of newbies who accidentally nick their strop right off the bat, an inexpensive strop means less $$$ wasted. I don't know of any inexpensive 3" strops, so the newbie who purchases an inexpensive (narrow) stop will also need to learn a proper X-stroke when stropping.

The other recommendation is to purchase a more expensive 3" strop right off the bat. Then the newbie only needs to make straight strokes and can dispense with learning how to do proper X-strokes on the strop.

Whichever path you choose, think about what you're doing each time you bring your razor to your strop. Take it slow. Don't try to strop with speed as you see in many of the videos. Strop slowly and develop good stropping technique first. Whip the razor fast while you're still learning and you risk mistakes like using too much pressure and lifting the spine off the strop, both of which will round over the edge, dulling the razor and you won't get a good shave until the razor is sent out for re-honing.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

Welcome!

Thats a nice razor you have there. +1 on getting it pro-honed; That way you know you have a shave ready edge.

With the strops, take a look at the SRD strops as they are modular. What this means is you can buy a great quality strop but you can also buy replacement leather and fabric parts for it in the event that you slice it. That way you can get a good quality strop right off the bat and be safe in the knowledge that it'll only cost you $20 - $30 in the event you make a major error. Small slices can be repaired, you'll be pleased to know..!

Good luck and keep us posted!

I have an SRD strop and its great, this is a good choice.