Hi all, a returning straight razor user here.

The last time I shaved with a straight razor was 1993.
I just recently got interested again. In looking for my stuff my razor was lost but cup brush and strop survive. So I purchased a razor some towels and soap to get started. My father taught me how to sharpen hone and strop but the stones he used don't seem to be fine enough. He was the type of barber that used a straight razor to trim and shave his patrons. He had his strop attached to his barber chair. How many remember those days?
It has been many years since I last used a straight razor so any advice you folks can give would be appreciated.
I am also looking for sharpening stones any direction on grit and type please let me know.
I look forward to being on this forum and chatting with you all.
James (Magman07)

Welcome!! Mine was 1983 or 4....I'm in this adventure about 10 days and finally doing well. Get a high quality new or vintage SR that is "shave ready", and watch the videos here (didn't have the internet in 1984!). I now love treating myself to a good shave. By the way, I remember the barber stropping his razor and then trimming my sideburns and neckline. Wish I had gotten a real shave from a barber back then!

Welcome to the forum.

A lot of great information in the hones and honing forums.

Have fun.

Thanks Haroldg48, I worked on my SR today with my dads old razor stones gave it a good stropping and had a very nice shave. It was surprising for my first SR shave in years at how close it was.
Those were the days Clubman pinaud powder and aftershave. Shave and a haircut was $1.75 the last time I got one. The times they do change!

Thanks Lynn I have been there several times today and I have only scratched the surface. Oh, I just realized I have watched all of your videos! Great job, I like your profile picture. I had to give up the cigars.

Welcome back to straight razor shaving.

Glad they finally let you out of prison... I know they dont allow str8's in there.. ;)