Thread: Another New Guy who's tired of Gillette

Hi,
My name is Aaron and I just recently got into straight razors. I stopped in The Art of the Shave last year and got a little googly eyed at the shiny toys. I haven't gotten them out of my head since.

A few months after that, I was in an antique shop in Bisbee, AZ and found a razor for $9. It's crap. The blade is in poor shape, but possibly worth restoring. If my wife ever finds it (yes, she lost it), perhaps I can get it back to shaving condition.

But as impatient as I am, I bought a nice F.A. Koch & Co. Faultless for $20 on eBay. Aside from needing a good sharpening, it's in fine shape. And I've very excited about getting it into shaving condition. But, as you'll see from the attached photo, it's not far from it. The unusual point is really what drew me to this blade.

Anyway, cheers and good shaving.

- Aaron

Welcome to SRP!

That razor looks to be in good shape and should be a great shaver!

I would definitely suggest sending it out to be honed... take a look in the classifieds section here and look in the "Member Services" section. There are lots of members that have fantastic reputations for honing a razor to shave readiness. Just a look around the forum and you'll see what I mean.

Also, what other gear do you have? If you don't know what I mean, take a look in the wiki under the "Library" link at the top of the site. It goes into the different equipment you'll need to get started.

Also, while you're there, take a look at the tutorials on starting to shave with a straight razor, as well as the techniques involved in stropping, building lather, etc.

There is a learning curve, but once mastered you'll get the best shaves of your life! Just remember to start slow and be patient. Few of us were having great shaves right off the bat!

Again, welcome and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have!

Welcome to SRP!
I second the advice Crouton just shared. And don't throw away the cartridges just yet. They are handy for finishing up while you are still learning.
Nice razor, I hope you get it up and running soon.

Boom!!! Good advice already so I'll just say Welcome and enjoy your stay. (:

Hello Aaron, welcome to srp. I read your comment as if you bought one razor for $9 and your wife blew her top (lost it) I thought you definitely wouldn't be in good stead then when rad takes hold.

Pete

No, she literally lost it. I felt the blade was in too poor a condition to make restoration feasible, so I gave it to her to make a shadow-box. I've since changed my mind, and it went missing in the interim.

Welcome to SRP!

Welcome, it is well worth reading through the beginner posts and wiki, most questions you have will have been answered already. Though feel free to ask too.
Definately keep whatever shaving tool you currently use, there are days when you will need it..
If you don't have Some already get some soap or cream and a brush that way you can sort out your lathering before learning to shave.
All the best Ed.

Hi and welcome. Good idea to read the beginners thread as the questions your like to ask is what others are asking and getting answers to. Good luck.

Welcome to the world of straight shaving. If you haven't already, get yourself some cream or soap. For beginners, I recommend Tabac or Proraso, they are both easy to lather.