Thread: Fresh Meat, Ready for Slicing

Hey everybody!

I just located this fine site, and I've been looking over the vast amounts of material and resources it contains, feeling a little overwhelmed. So I figured that while I'm checking it out, I might as well introduce myself.

I'm new to the straight razor game, but eager to start playing. I don't have any materials yet, of course, because I've only just begun to read up on what's out there, and I would feel dumb if I just dove in and bought something the rest of you might scoff at. But what did peak my interest were a few straight razors I saw in a knife store yesterday (I actually went in to look at Henckel Chef's knives). I had been sort of interested in straight razor shaving already, but it wasn't until I saw a few that were brand new that I thought, "Hey, this is actually a possibility for me!" Heh.

I watched the home video of Mr. Lynn shaving, and kind of held my hands to my throat and face the whole time. More suspenseful than Hitchcock! I'm a little timid, you see, and I'm sure that's not an uncommon reaction. I mean... it's a razor and you drag it over your throat! But it was a very helpful demonstration, though! Now I have a general understanding of what to do.

What appeals to me about this manner of grooming is how classic it is. I collect antiques as much as I can (I'm only 22), and I've seen a lot of blades in shops; most of them out of commission due to rust. (Or perhaps not, I don't know.) It's neat to think that before some dude came along and said, "Guys, now you won't have to worry about cuts anymore - I call it a 'safety razor'!" everyone who removed unwanted hair from their face did it with an instrument that could also slice it right off - That's hardcore!

I'm trading in my Gillette Twin-blade for a more efficient weapon. I want to shave like a cowboy by the campfire; a mobster in some dank hideout; a Romantic poet dying of TB! Yeah, man! Where do I sign up?

Okay, that was stupid. I'm sorry.

I'm just going to assume the role of a student, shut my mouth and ask you experts to guide me, if you don't mind. Where do I begin? Where do I go? What do I need?

Okay, great. Thanks! 8)

Welcome, bro! The best way to start is with a razor from one of the members here that sells them. These will be honed and shave ready, not to mention cheaper than a brand new blade. A 'beginner's kit' is sometimes available which has the basics to get you started. The basic elements you'll need are the razor and a strop. You can accumulate a number of razors, strops, hones, and all the other goodies over time. Be warned that str8s are gregarious, and a single lonely razor is often rapidly joined by others of its kind. A herd of razors will inevitably attract a number of number of strops, creams, soaps, and even brushes.

Thanks, Wayne!

I recently sent a Private Message to Lynn inquiring about any razors he might have for sale, since just about every thread mentions that he does that from time to time.

I'm really excited to try this out, and I have a feeling I'm going to like it. I'm a bit of a collector and your 'warning' about how the accessories will add up in no time sounds great, and I'm sure that they will. I can't wait to get the creams, soaps, brushes and old razors. I really like the idea of collecting old ones. That just sounds so cool to me. Someone mentioned that they have a 200+ year-old razor and I was like, "Wow." That's so neat.

And the masculinity is not to be discounted. I'm a young man who is fond of tradition and the "old" way of doing things...most things.

Go to the gallery and look at the pictures of his razors and all the others that are for sale.

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

I recently sent a Private Message to Lynn inquiring about any razors he might have for sale, since just about every thread mentions that he does that from time to time.

[quote="Blade Wielder"]Hey everybody!

I just located this fine site, and I've been looking over the vast amounts of material and resources it contains, feeling a little overwhelmed.
[snip]

I watched the home video of Mr. Lynn shaving, and kind of held my hands to my throat and face the whole time. More suspenseful than Hitchcock! I'm a little timid, you see, and I'm sure that's not an uncommon reaction. I mean... it's a razor and you drag it over your throat!

******>>> WELCOME!! Yup, anything new can seem overwhelming, especially an Art that has been around for centuries to collect information! Do not worry - you will sort out the basic information in a short time here, and become another rabid enthusiast!

Slicing? Nah.....a straight razoer is really a "push cutter". It won't slice unless you a) move your face or the blade horizontally to each other, or b) get the sucker TOO sharp, so that it catches every little facial bump it encounters. Generally, after a shor learning curve, the nicks and small cuts rarely happen, and most disappear with just cold water!

It must be doable ....we all do it here without slicing ourselves to ribbons!

Best -