Public Thanks to FiReSTaRT

I just wanted to give my personal thanks to FiReSTaRT, Ilija, for my first session with the straight. Not only did he provide me with my first straight, which he honed for me as well, but he also imparted some very valuable wisdom and guidance.
I visited him at his home yesterday to pick up my new Hamburg Ring razor. In addition I brought over 3 recent eBay purchases which I just received. He showed me how to clean them, disinfect them and get them on their way to sharpening. We discussed things I would need, hone, strop, paddles.... bla bla bla. and we also discussed other restoration topics. We talked about re-pinning scales, even making our own. And we talked about some other DIY projects like making out own bench strops.
I am really new to the world of straights and it's a little overwhelming. Having someone to take me in and spend 3 hours in their home and give me some tips and pointers was invaluable. Even to take in some of MY thoughts was great.

I just wanted everyone to know what he did for me and to thank him. I'm looking forward to exchanging more thoughts and issues with him and all of you too.

Mindspin,

Hats off to Ilija. You are fortunate to life close
to someone who was willing to share not only
his expertise but his time as well.



Terry

You guys are talking about it as if it was a hassle. For starters Dave is very nice guy and has lots of skills/gear that can easily be transferred to this hobby. Don't be surprised if he starts coming up with some very nice restoration pieces in short order. In any case I can talk about this stuff for days without getting tired of it :D In addition to that it was also a learning experience for me and in every case very positive. Thanks for coming by, Dave.

P.S. Thanks for the 1805 cream, I will be using it for this afternoon's shave.

I think it is just great that people are so generous with their time in this hobby. It is so hard to find that in other areas of life. Real refreshing that people can be like that over something as simple as shaving. Now only if we could get EVERYONE into straigh shaving maybe everyone would get long.
Hats off to Ilijia!

Yeah, Ilija rules!

(well, he also moderates but this sounds like a step down :roflmao )

Cheers
Ivo

If we develop successful collaboration on bench-hone projects, that will be of more value to both of us than one razor. My thanks to the random.org random integer generator for choosing Dave :D

WTG Ilija!!! :y Pay it forward!

Keep us posted on your progress Mindspin.

X

Great point X.. To all of you who don't know me that well, X was the one who taught me the basics of honing and stropping and also put the first edge on my first quality blade. I'm glad I got the opportunity to do the same for someone else and I hope that I will be getting others.

:D
Maybe you will, and sooner than you thought... I'm in Guelph, and looking to learn the basics of honing and such. I don't have all the DIY skills that Dave has already. I'm still very new, and have only shave twice with a straight razor (both successfully), and have since let an "expert" ruin the edge on my one straight with a coarse whetstone - great for knife sharpening, not so much for razors.

Anyway, I'll PM you - perhaps you can take me under your wing and teach me the way of the hone. :bow

Sure thing. I may have some time constraints, but I believe something can be worked out next week. However, it would have to be together with Haz. I'll keep you posted.

Ben,

If you''re looking for tips on honing, try stopping by the barbershop at the corner of wellington (hwy 24) and Gordon, downtown. Across from the Taco Bell (Toxic Hell?) there's a small barbershop that's been there forever. One of the old guys helped me hone my first razor and sold me a nice barber hone. He might be able to help out in the short run.

I'd offer myself, but I still need to hone my honing abilities.

Great thread..well done Ilija.

Now be warned all...when I decide to visit the USA I'm gonna plan my trip around...guess what ?. :w

Oh to have guru's on my doorstep :cry:

Gary

Gary, if you decide to go north of the border, make sure you visit Toronto for some good microbrew and a city that has EVERYTHING

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Gary, if you decide to go north of the border, make sure you visit Toronto for some good microbrew and a city that has EVERYTHING

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Ilija, it would be rude not to.
I have been to Toronto once before and happened to be on Queen St during the Santa parade. A great place for sure.

Gary

In all honesty, I'm not a big fan of parades, however we do have restaurants with cuisine from all over the world, same with our women, some great local microbrews, amazing shopping, boat tours, climbing the CN-tower and professional teams you can have a good laugh at.