Thread: A BIG thank you! Guys at SRP.

If you read my "Greeting from Dixie" post you know some about me.

I am retiring and want to lean barbering skills, the straight razor shave is a part of those skills.

I decided to teach myself how it is done and have been curious about the straight razor shave for many years. So, why not?

I purchased a straight razor, strop, mug and soap online at Amazon. The razor was not shave ready.

1st set back...

I can put a wicked edge on a knife, but had NO idea on the methods for a straight razor.

2nd set back...

I had no honing stones, and no idea about what I needed.

3rd set back...

Well, I started researching. Ran across SRP, delved into the forums and really started learning from guys that freely shared their knowledge and experiences. This really shortened my learning curve!

The razor I have was priced around $58.00 and would classify as as a good beginners razor.

I purchased (using my new found knowledge from here) a King 1000/6000 k lapping stone along with a 14000 Nanawa.

I began using my new lapping stones, the edge quickly appeared, but something was lacking. I went back to the forums. I learned that the stones themselves needed to be lapped before the first use.

I learned I could do it very cheap. I purchased a single flat marble tile from Lowe's, a pack of 60 grit sand paper along with packs of 400 and 600 grit papers.

It took about 30 minutes to lap my stones. I was blown away by how easy it was to do following the advice and knowledge I gained on here.

I took my razor and honed it again, in a matter of minutes I had an edge that was scary!

I had tried to shave with it two or three times, it tugged and pulled when I first got it. After I used the honing stones, it did OK on my cheeks but could not do anything from the jaw down...

After I lapped the stones and honed my razor... It shaved perfectly! In fact it did as well or better than my shavette style razor I had been using.

The stropping was really easy as well.

I wanted to thank you guys for sharing your knowledge and helping those of us that are noobs in the ways of straight razor shaving.

I have been at it for about a month, I have grown proficient enough to shave without nicking myself and getting an amazing shave.

Thank you again!

I hope to purchase a nice vintage razor soon. I would like one that has the fancy etchings and such. I AM HOOKED!

Scott

Congratulations on getting through the barriers! I don't know how anyone can make it into straight shaving without the support available here.

Congrats on your learning and new found skills. Its alot of fun and when you get those desired results its all worth it. Enjoy!

It is great to have someone to share their knowledge. The straight razor shave is a dying art. I can remember when I was a kid you could purchase straight razors from older shops and such.

They are no where to be found today. It is a common belief that such things are not used nor made today.

With Mach 3's, 4's... 15's on the market today, it is no wonder. Each year brings in a new and fancy style razor that is bigger, better than the last one...

I don't think any of them can hold their own against a single edged straight razor.

1. MUCH sharper.

2. MUCH MUCH more sanitary.

3. Less irritation.

4. Closer shave.

5. An aquired skill that is something to be proud of. Both the shave and the maintaince of the razor itself.

6. A razor that can be a piece of artwork. Even the plain ones are showy. Watch the eyes and expression when you hand YOUR sharpened straight razor to the uninitiated, it is a look of wonder and amazement.

7. Something that can be passed down.

8. A skill when mentioned in a group of other men that make them raise their eyebrows, they can not help but ask or comment on it. Many want to try it, but don't have the nerve. Or the gumption to develop the skills.

9. Fiance LOVES how smooth I am after the shave.

10. It is MUCH easier to edge around my beard and keep the lines neat and crisp.

Like I said, a straight razor blows a disposable away!

I hope as I lean I will be able to part some words of wisdom and knowledge those that follow in my footprints.

I would like to collect and restore some as I go.

But that is another tale...

Patience Padiwan, patience...

Originally Posted by ace

Congratulations on getting through the barriers! I don't know how anyone can make it into straight shaving without the support available here.

An awful lot of us around here did before this site was a twinkle in Lynn's eyes. But you see, those of us who learned the hard way were that much more determined. You guys have it easy now.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You guys have it easy now.

No arguments here!

Well I was going to make a post like this but he pretty much said it perfectly....so thanks as well from me to all of you out there on srp!....I love my new skills of this practise!

Originally Posted by PrisonHack

If you read my "Greeting from Dixie" post you know some about me.

I am retiring and want to lean barbering skills, the straight razor shave is a part of those skills.


Scott

Congrats on the retirement. Stay healthy!!!

I get to go next February...

Just trying to hang on til then...

Prison Scott et al: SR shaving is a dying art; the art of manliness--
try traditional muzzleloading, also a dying art, and then you'll be even more hooked! A second and more expensive addiction!!