Thread: My 2 visits to Lynn's estate & mansion

I had a few questions about honing one day and was asking around in the chat. Syslight, to whom I am also forever in debt, noticed I live in Ohio and indicated that Lynn lives there as well and that Lynn is generally not opposed to answering questions and giving hands-on demos and such. I went ahead and PM'd Lynn saying that I live close by, and could you maybe answer a few questions? He responded within about 15 mins simply with his adress and a note that said "Let me know whenever is good for you."
After a few days of tinkering with our schedules, I saddled up and headed east. I arrived, Lynn was sitting with Don, discussing business and enjoying a cigar and what I imagine was a fine, fine bourbon. I introduced myself and graciously turned down an array hospitable offers--"What can I get ya? You want a drink? Cigar? A pop?" Thirty-five seconds in to the visit and Lynn has already shown me more hospitality than most of my family has shown me in a lifetime. First, it was time for the tour.
I will try as best I can to paint the picture, and anyone else who has ever been to Lynn's house can chime in here, too. We walked inside and right away I began a silent debate with myself over whether I was in a house or a straight razor museum with 50ft ceilings. I saw countless pieces all meticulously arranged by maker and size, each one battle-ready and in pristine condition. Continuing on, next was his sanctum sanctorum, the upstairs bathroom. I walked slowly toward the entrance with understanding that if I actually walked in to the bathroom, alarms would go off and dogs released, but such was not the case. In the bathroom, there were countless more razors and I wondered if he had some daily rotation of one razor for each whisker.
He let me see all his Livi's, once in while throwing a modest, "isn't that cool?" I saw brushes and soaps and balms and aftershaves and strops. At least half a dozen times, Lynn would say, "you like that? Take it home." At least half a dozen times.
Then to the basement. A basement or a large cave with walls of fine grit stone? I couldn't tell you. I took out my razors for him to take a look at, he handed them back to me and showed me over to a microscope. I was to look at the maganified damage to gain perspective. Upon the closer look, I saw that I gave Lynn not razors to hone, but rusty saws. He took the razors to the stone and began to work, being sure to go over every detail and have me take a look at the razors under the microscope with every step to gain perspective. I left Lynn's house that night far from an expert in honing, but far from ignorant to the time, work and the process of honing a razor.


Thanks again, Lynn. I look forward to future visits!

I'm in stitches! Great review - what a nice experience, what a nice guy

Wow, what a top guy!

Right, I'm moving to Ohio!

DBolger you really blew it. You should have grabbed 2 handfuls of Livi's
and bolted out of there. There's no way he could of caught up to a collage student.

A basement or a large cave with walls of fine grit stone?

- Scott

Nice post -- thanks for sharing your adventure.

Originally Posted by DBolger

Then to the basement. A basement or a large cave with walls of fine grit stone?

How do you think he hones so many razors, Coticule and Esher walls. Razor in each had, run a lap around the basement and they are ready to shave, onto the next set.

Lynn's house ... the shaving mecca, some day soon I too shall make the pilgrimage even though I shall have to brave the fearsome Terminal 5 and the thing that makes even grown men shake in their boots ... the intercontinental flight sat in front of a small child.

Barney

Sure to worth your while, however

Thank you for sharing. Hopefully I can make the pilgrimage one day.