Thread: Hello!

Hello to all! I'm have been looking for a way to get a better shave and recently stumbled across this forum. My face has always been sensitive to shaving, unless I wait about 4 days in between. I've tried several of the better replacement razors, but they are expensive and really don't give me a better shave than disposables. I'm intrigued by straight razor shaving and am considering giving it a try.

Here is where I need advice. I have an old Geneva 6/8 razor which is in pretty good shape. I does need honing, I know, but my concern is a nick in the blade. The nick is 1.25" from the back of the blade and goes all the way thru. It's 2mm wide and 1mm deep. I'm sure that it could be ground out, just wondering if it would be worth the trouble or not? I also wonder if taking off that much steel would have and effect on the performance of the blade. Any opinions?

Thanks!!

Yes, it can be fixed with a lot of work, and yes taking that much steel will have an effect on the razor. Whether it's worth the trouble or not is a matter of personal opinion. For example, you won't know how the razor shaves, if at all, until all the work is completed, so there's a risk you must be willing to take.

Also besides a razor you need a strop for maintaining the edge between shaves. If you're like most people you won't get immediate results, so budget something on the order of 50-200 shaves before you start getting reasonably good results and can decide whether this type of shaving works better for you.

Gugi is right.. all around.. you really just need to ask yourself if it's worth the risk and money to get it restored or not.. I would weigh how much you are attached to it personally and if you aren't then you can find a nice starter razor on here... Honestly you would spend just as much if not more to restore.. if it is razor that was passed down to you then sentimentality would weigh in...

Getting a great shave from a straight is a practiced art. You have to take your time and understand that your first few shaves are probably not going to be what you expect... only one instance is the exception to the rule, and that is the longer the beard (or at least this is for myself) then the closer the first shave and less irritation.. Don't bank on that because everyone is different, and I am an old Navy salt with leather skin... I spent years of dry shaving..

Straight shaving is a life style chosen by those who enjoy it immensely... and until you get good at it I will give you this bit of advice (gave it to my own brother and he didn't listen)... For your first few shaves take a time when you are not in a rush (never straight shave in a hurry till ya KNOW you are good at it.. and that takes YEARS...) if there is anything at all that will squelch shaving with a straight it is not respecting a blade that could put a gash in your face (not trying to scare you but truth is truth)... and think of it as meditating.. Learn your face, learn what works for you and be patient.. in the world today everyone is in a hurry.. and disposables are easy to grab shave and go.. Lemme tell ya if you take a few moments just to look in the mirror and familiarize yourself with your face (yes I know we all are suppose to know every in and out of our body but refer back to the everyone's in a hurry comment)... breathe, and then shave you will get it..

There are loads of information on this site.. with videos, demonstrations, ect that will help to strengthen your shave.. Good luck..

Welcome to the board too..

Oh one last thing.. this board also causes a horrendous sickness that is highly infectious called RAD.. There is no cure only treatments for it.. if you are ready to combat (many have tried and failed) the magnetic almost crack addict like NEED to get your hands on a lot of razors then by all means Join us.. come to the dark side.. heheheheheh Just kidding... or am I..

The cost of repairing a razor with a chip like that and giving it a good shave-ready edge may exceed the cost of one of the cheaper razors from the classifieds. Starter razors can be had for 30 bucks or less and will come with a good, shave-ready edge on them.

Thanks for the info. Nervin, I can definitely see how this could become addictive. I have always thought of shaving as an annoyance, mostly due to my sensitive skin. This forum has got me looking at in a new light.

As for the razor, it was given to my by my dad, but he didn't even remember where it came from. I have no attachment to it. I was thinking that it would probably cost as much to fix it as buying a used one would. Thanks again!

Welcome to the forum.
Good luck in your quest.

Any suggestions on how much to spend on a beginners razor?

That really depends on your budget and don't forget a good strop. The great thing is if you purchase a good razor from a reputable source in the classifieds here it won't severely depreciate in value. Provided it is kept in nice shape you can spend some money trying a few different grinds and sizes, then turn around and resell later for about what you spent. (Most of us forget the last part.) This isn't a guarantee, but generally a pretty good bet. I started with a couple for around $30-50 a piece. Still have them (see) and they shave great.

and to add to deighaingeal... don't skimp on the strop.. that is definitely one thin you do NOT want to skimp on.. there are a few posts here where a few people cut some corners (aaaahhheeemmm.. Yes I am a part of this group..) by getting and Ebay special to save a few bucks.. Only to have to turn around and buy the decent one... Plenty of reviews on the too, just gotta read through them..