Thread: Want to learn to use Dad's old razor

Hello to all. I've had my Dad's straight razor for years, it's an H. Boker Tree Brand King Cutter, but he died when I was nine and I've never learned how to use it properly. I've done a lot of reading about it being a perfectionist, had straight razor shaves at the barber which I love, and hope to master the art of the perfect shave for myself. Any tips, help, and advise is appreciated. Thanks very much, Chris

Welcome to SRP Chris. Sorry you lost your dad at such a young age. Bokers are great razors so your dad had good taste. Before trying to shave with it, I would recommend you send it to a member here who offers honing services, they can be found in the classifieds here. I know sending out your dad's razor to a complete stranger is a HUGE leap of faith, best rest assured you are now a member of a great brotherhood of gentlemen who will do right by you. As for tips and advice, if you have not done so already, read the beginners links on the home page of the forum. That should answer most of your questions and if they do not, then feel free to ask. The best advice I can give you is this: patience is a virtue...learning to shave with a straight razor and all that goes with it (stropping, lathering, pressure, angle, face stretching, etc) will take some time. We all had to start somewhere and it's exactly where you are now. Keep us posted of your progress and post a picture of your razor when you have some time.

Welcome Chris,
Have the razor made shave ready, and get started.

I'll post a picture soon. It has a date of 1926 engraved on it, I'm not sure if that was a manufacture date or not. I never saw my Dad use it, so it may have been my Grandfather's. I'll get it properly honed and get started. Thanks for the advise.

Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

Welcome to SRP Chris. Sorry you lost your dad at such a young age. Bokers are great razors so your dad had good taste. Before trying to shave with it, I would recommend you send it to a member here who offers honing services, they can be found in the classifieds here. I know sending out your dad's razor to a complete stranger is a HUGE leap of faith, best rest assured you are now a member of a great brotherhood of gentlemen who will do right by you. As for tips and advice, if you have not done so already, read the beginners links on the home page of the forum. That should answer most of your questions and if they do not, then feel free to ask. The best advice I can give you is this: patience is a virtue...learning to shave with a straight razor and all that goes with it (stropping, lathering, pressure, angle, face stretching, etc) will take some time. We all had to start somewhere and it's exactly where you are now. Keep us posted of your progress and post a picture of your razor when you have some time.