Thread: Hello form DC

Hello folks,

Peter here from Washington DC. A while ago I inherited three straight razors from my grandfather's estate (I have sent them off to be restored), a brush and a strop. While the razors are being refurbished I am trying to learn as much as I can about straight razor shaving.

I have been researching all manner of straight razor shaving and think I have a handle on how to shave (now I just need to practice) but what seems more complicated, and not so easy to figure out, is maintenance of the razors. For example, the strop I inherited is old and I don't know how to tell if it is still usable and I'm not sure how to figure out what the various stones I have received are for. I believe one of them is a barber's finishing hone but the rest are various sizes and I just can't figure out what they do.

Anyway, I am very much looking forward getting my grandfather's razors back in usable condition, both for sentimental reasons and because i very much like the idea and the process of shaving with a straight razor.

I look forward to learning from all of you and am happy to be on this forum.

Best,
Peter

Welcome! You came to the right place . Grandfathers razors huh? Thats super cool. you cant buy that kind of thing. I'm sure they will be your most treasured razors years after you are consumed with R.A.D and have a walk in showcase of straights LOL! I'm to green to answer any of your Q's but I will give you this lil bit. dont go jumpin into the razor honing game just yet. Lots of people here do it for a great low price. It's a whole different animal that takes lots of info. You should learn it( I would hate to lose a family razor in shipping) but take your time. I dont plan to ever hone. If I learn anything else I have to forget 5 things. good luck to you .

Welcome to the forum!

Can you post pictures of the strop and stones? That will give us all a much better idea of what you're talking about, and how to help you.

Thanks for your hospitality savalis1971 and Maxi. I will definitely post some pictures of the stop and stones. Ill try to get them up tonight or tomorrow.

Im looking forward to some input on them.

Welcome to SRP and I hope you find plenty of information here to help you on your shaving journey. I also inherited a couple of razors from my family that belonged to my uncle and grandfather and they have become my favorite razors. Looking forward to pictures so we may help you further! Good Luck.

Rick

My best advice, which was given to me, Is Dont be afraid of your first shave, and go slow! A great thing I picked up at the drug store was a styptic pencil!!

Shave On!,
~Mike

I'll add in there to be careful with the stones, right off the bat. Honing is something acquired over time and NOT something you want to teach yourself with an heirloom razor. Those cannot be replaced. The one you'll first end up using would be that barber hone you mentioned. Of course, we'd like to see pictures of the stones, first, the verify what they are. If you could include a separate object in the pic to give us a frame of reference (like a dollar bill) so we can tell the size, and if there's any stampings on the stones indicating a manufacturer or point of origin, that would help immensely! You're going yourself a great deal of justice having those sent out to be properly refurbished before taking them on, yourself. In time, I'm sure you'll be completely hooked and looking forward to shaving every day!

Originally Posted by Maxi

Welcome to the forum!

Can you post pictures of the strop and stones? That will give us all a much better idea of what you're talking about, and how to help you.

I'm not sure if these pics are helpful, but I tried to get photos of the condition of the strop as well as a group picture of the stones and an individual picture of each one next to a dollar bill to give it some perspective. I know that one of the stones is a Sextoblade Razor Hone and the other hone about that size is a Carborandum Sharpening Stone. If other pictures would be helpful, just say the word.

I appreciate anyone looking at these and letting me know what I have. I will gladly send along pictures of the refurbished razors once I receive them.

All junk..I will give you $4.00 for the lot...Send them immediately...Don't read anyone else's posts....They are drunk...I am here to help...

Hello from Northern Virginia.