Thread: A sentimental noob

Originally Posted by Dzanda

Good Day, everyone!

I'm a 60'ish recent 28-year US Navy retiree who's always been a wet shaver, but has had his fill of buying razor cartridges. I've also reached a point where I can afford to actually enjoy shaving. So the time seems right to take up shaving with a straight razor.

I admit that I'm also motivated by fond memories of my grandfather. He was a barber his entire life, and I spent many hours in his shop as a kid. The aromas of the soaps and aftershaves, the 'whisking' of his barber shears, the sharp snap of the sheets, and the distinct rhythm and sound of him stropping his razors... these memories are all dear to me. I'd like to recapture some of that experience. And though I never learned to use a straight, Gramps convinced me that a brush and real lather are the way to go, so I do have that in my favor.

Here are a few other tidbits about me that might be helpful and relevant regarding shaving:
- I'm Black, but have minimal problems with PFB, though that wasn't the case when I was young.
- I currently sport a 'short boxed beard', so I only shave my neck and cheeks (my beard would grow in well up my cheeks if I allowed it); but I may opt for a van Dyke at some point. Yeah, I could probably go with trimmers, but see paragraph 2!
- My philosophy has always been to buy the best that would make me happy and that I could afford, but I see the logic of starting with a less expensive razor that I won't mourn should I screw it up. Still, budget isn't really an issue.
- I have BIG hands

I've made a lot of headway reading here and elsewhere on the web, but I know I have a lot to learn, and purchases to make. I'm open to any and all the help I can get! I'll be happy to provide any other info that I can, so feel free to ask.

Cheers!

I think the nostalgic angle adds to the fun, but as a practical matter you will wind up with closer and more comfortable shaves with a straight if you decide that's for you. I was a young whippersnapper at the tender age of 54 when I began this pursuit.

Old-fashioned barber experiences are something I miss, particularly the part where the barber put hot lather behind my ears and shaved that area with a straight.

Welcome. This is a haven for purists, and we can help. Most of my razors are vintage ones obtained from the Classified section here. Old razors in great shape have a certain charm to them. As soon as you can, I would obtain a second razor so you will always have one shave ready. Knowing what a properly honed up blade feels like will aid you in your learning how to tune them up yourself.

Here's a 1905 book that's a real enjoyable read, Shaving Made Easy. It will give you an overview of what is involved. It is located here: Shaving made easy; what the man who shaves ought to know .. : 20th century correspondence school, New York. [from old catalog] : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive . You can read online, or download it to your PC and own a copy.

Let us know if we can help.