Thread: vintage str8 razor

ok ...first post here .....I got a shaving brush/bowl kit from mom, and I got a vintage razor from grandpa,,,still has the box for it ...the box says Zaliel Cutlery works solingen Germany on the lid it says Zaliel Jassiano.

the blade is wicked sharp! it has a dark wood handle, very thin wood

so thats the blade....now the real problem!

I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH IT!!!

never shaved with a str8 before.. been to a barber ( before they were no longer allowed to do it) best shave of my life!

want to learn ...no clue where to start
thanks for the help in advance

Scott.......wanting a shave without going to the ER

Welcome, sounds great. This is the place to be. Do some reading and research first. Test your razor with a little more panache' then "its wicked sharp" (I suggest at least a hanging hair test). Learn to use the search function and start asking questions on stuff you don't get. To avoid the ER don't ever move the blade sideways. This site takes no responsibility for stupidity or what you do with our advice. When your ready, start by shaving the cheeks gently and only the cheeks.

You wouldn't start mountain climbing until you knew how to rappel back down so don't start shaving while your still "clueless". Just using your words.

Take your time and read up.

Again, welcome aboard!

Read all them help files and look through all the links too, and don't worry, there's no such thing as a dumb question . . . only not asking it, especially where razor sharp steel on your face is concerned. You'll need a strop and I recommend Tony Miller for highest quality. He's www.thewellshavedgentleman.com

Welcome!

X

Click on the "Videos" link on the left side of the forum above. You should be able to watch a movie (Windows Media Player) of the founder of this group, Lynn Abrams, doing a shave. Make sure you check out the files section too, then fire away with questions. We were all new to this at one time.

Like the others have said the first thing to do is read the help files and watch the video and check out the old shaving manuals and obtain the minimal equipment to start off with. After you've read everything and your thoroughly confused start asking specific questions here and some of us will try and confuse you some more!

ok ...as far as how sharp.....I tried shaving some hairs on the back of my hand, one scrape across the hair, and i now have a bald spot on my hand lol

I dont think I'll have so much a problem with cutting across and cutting myself...I thinkit will be more wrong angle, too much pressure.
I watched the video, that helped quite a bit! as far as stroping goes...which wat do you do it? into the blade? ie: \_ > or away from? /_>


Im probably a few weeks away from attempting a shave ...even just the cheeks
I gotta get a strop( anyone know a good brand thats not expensive? I have a 11 month old that takes all my $$ )
soap, and time

I dont think I'll have so much a problem with cutting across and cutting myself...I thinkit will be more wrong angle, too much pressure.
I watched the video, that helped quite a bit! as far as stroping goes...which wat do you do it? into the blade? ie: \_ > or away from? /_>

Stropping is always with the sharp end trailing. A good way to remember is to think of which way will slice a leather strop in half-don't do it that way! Try this link stropping and honing

Im probably a few weeks away from attempting a shave ...even just the cheeks
I gotta get a strop( anyone know a good brand thats not expensive? I have a 11 month old that takes all my $$ )
soap, and time

[/QUOTE]

Read the post from XMAN, he included a link to Tony Miller's website. I have one of Tony's strops and it is much better than the Dovo one that I have.

-Fred

Welcome!

You now have as many questions as we all did when starting out!
You have been given the best advice available, i.e. read the help files, watch the videos and read the barbers manual's.

There are two rules in str8 shaving
1. Go slow and gentle at first, never be in a hurry.
2. Hot water and lots of it is your beards best friend.

Did I mention go slow and gentle?

Randy Tuttle

If your really on a budget ask Tony Miller for some help. He may even be able to recommend one of his "seconds" for daily use. His strops are so big and solid that I think even a "second" from Tony would have ample space to strop on and the price is ridiculously low.