Thread: Hello Noobs

This is a brand spankin' new feature and I have the honor in posting in the very first thread. First of all.. Welcome to SRP! This is a very friendly community, where you'll find lots of help. However, before you ask any questions, consult the help files and use the search feature to check out old threads. Once you do that, we can help you with the specific questions you may have. Good luck and enjoy your experience!

Thanks for the welcome and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone here for all of the great information that I have been able to get my hands on. All of the posts and all of the help files have been nothing but helpful to me. Right now I've just been practicing honing and stropping with an old, crappy "paki" razor that was given to me years ago. I've got a few hones and have just been using an old belt for a strop (until I get a new one). I have to say that everyone here is right and my "paki" is crap. It did not lay flat and does not hold an edge at all and there is no way I'm ever going to shave anything more than the hair on my arm with it! Right now I'm just looking around and soaking in all of the info that is available and will probably be going with one of Bill's ready to use razors when the time comes for it. I just want to say thanks again for all of the information that everyone has made available. It has been nothing but helpful to me.

-Pary

Thank you! I was a lurker on this site for several months before becoming a member. The depth of information here is invaluable; especially for those like myself brand spanking new to straight razor shaving.

LOL.....beat me to the punch. This should be a great area for the new guys and as already said, there is tons of information all over this place for people to enjoy. Thanks to Charlie Larman for convincing we to put up Newbie Corner. He will be a Mod in here as well. Have fun guys. Always keep the questions coming as we are all on a continuing learning curve. Lynn

Ok, maybe this is a silly question but hey, that's what the newbie forum is for right?

How do you guys travel with your straight razors? I normally avoid checking any baggage unless I absolutely have to (after having my baggage lost once and several items stolen a couple of times). I try to pack light and keep everything in my carry on baggage.

However, I'm sure this wouldn't go over too well with the new restrictions and I'm sure an airport screener would crap a brick if they saw a straight razor going through their x-ray scanner... so how do you guys travel?

In addition, what all stuff do you pack and is it a hassle? I've used a brush/mug for years and it's kind of a hassle sometimes, especially since I use hard soap and not cream. I don't have to pack a strop or a straight since I don't have one yet, but I know that's coming down the road. Would it make sense to have a feather for travelling, then I could just take the feather and some disposable blades without having to worry about a strop, then toss in a travel brush and a tube of cream instead of my big bulky mug and hard soap?

Sorry if I am sounding overly anal, I tend to think about things a long time and get everything straight in my head before I move forward. That sometimes leads to overthinking...

-- Gary F.

forget the feather razor ...machine blades give a different feel vs true str8...you can purchase a paddle but I recommend a strop with a piece of leather to hang it from door knob...strop lays flat in suitcase less bulky then paddle...as for transporting str8 lynn puts his in plastic toothbrush case in doppkit...str8 willnever make it in carryon luggage...dont use mug...wetbrush put a dab of creme in palm of hand or if using soap after wetting brush coat brush with soap and use palm as mug...old shavers and barbers used this method for years as you can feel when consistancy of soap or creme isthick enough to put on face...good luck charlie

rusty you can contact adjustme69 or tony miller to purchase a honed shave ready razor...I would also suggest you read the axioms thread under general and the thoughts for newbies thread under shaving

I've traveled a few times with a straight. I always check baggage, regardless. I have taken just a razor overnight tightened with a gf's hairtie to keep it from opening. Just used the hotel soap and didn't bother stropping. I've also taken a paddle strop and cream samples on trips that were more than a few days, and then I build the cream in my hand or use the soap dish by the sink of the hotel, or even just my hand, or build the lather on my face. I usually only take one razor with the understanding that I could just not shave if I so chose.

You could probably strop on the back side of a belt if you were so inclined but I've never been that desperate.

You could store the brush in an empty toilet paper roll (not my idea, Greg came up with it). Just get one of those Wilkinson el-cheapos at any Walmart. They can't compare to a nice badger hair brush, but they'll get ya there. A hard soap is a hassle, just get some semi decent creme. Always take measures to keep the razor from opening. A rubber band should do the trick (just pilfer a few from the office). You WILL have to check your str8 if you want to take it with you. Ofcourse, always take the one whose loss you wouldn't lament as much as the others. You can use a leather belt as a strop if it's made of good leather and not too deformed. That's what I'm doing now and i'm not travelling anywhere lol.

Edit:
P.S. Sorry Lynn, but I couldn't resist

Originally Posted by gfoster

Ok, maybe this is a silly question but hey, that's what the newbie forum is for right?

How do you guys travel with your straight razors? I normally avoid checking any baggage unless I absolutely have to (after having my baggage lost once and several items stolen a couple of times). I try to pack light and keep everything in my carry on baggage.

However, I'm sure this wouldn't go over too well with the new restrictions and I'm sure an airport screener would crap a brick if they saw a straight razor going through their x-ray scanner... so how do you guys travel?

-- Gary F.

Do this:

Pack the razor with a carbon paper and a aluminum paper too, put it inside a glasses case and all inside your bag, get an old razor that is not too important if you lose it!!!

Good travel!!!