Thread: Hello From Brooklyn, NY

Hi,

It's an interesting forum you have here, and I'm pleased to see it seems very well attended and active. The internet has proven fantastic for it's ability to bring together people with like interests.

I've become interested in using a straight razor as the ones I use now have become considerably more expensive then they used to be; and thus I thought using a straight razor might make more sense economically.

I am also attracted to the tradition of straight razor shaving; there is undeniably a certain masculine cachet that goes along with it; and I would consider any zen-like attributes a bonus.

I am hard pressed to believe one can get a better shave with a straight razor than with a modern multi-blade cartridge; but if that is true I look forward to being pleasantly surprised.

The first razor I ever used was an adjustable double edge, and I did suffer the occasional cut with that. I am hoping a straight razor will be less prone than that to causing nicks--when properly used, of course.

I am looking at some SRs on eBay and I see quite a few old used ones in decent to good condition in the $25 range with shipping. I am looking for ones that are carbon steel, 5/8 or 6/8, are hollow ground, have no nicks on the blade, are rounded at the tip, and are obviously real shavers made back when people really used them.

I saw the article about the risks of shopping on eBay; but I think I understand most of them, and am therefore looking for about the right thing; and might be able to avoid the most obvious blunders.

I also understand this forum has a Classified section, but new members like myself are precluded from using it until they have a certain amount of posts made and time in, which is 3 to 6 months at least if I remember correctly, so I see no other practical choice but to shop on eBay.

I have never honed a razor, but I'm pretty good at sharpening knives, which I typically finish on the back of a thick leather belt designed for construction workers.

I have about 10 sharpening stones, but aside from one diamond one, they are all oil stones, and none of them are quite as large as the Norton 325 course grit that seems to be a favorite amongst the SR honers around here. I suppose I can have a go at honing the SR when I get it.

Are there any professional honers in or around Brooklyn or Manhattan, NY in case I screw it up and need to have it fixed?

I'm also wondering where I might find a store around here that carries straight razors and accessory supplies.

Hello, Tom, and welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Yes, be careful looking for $25 razors on eBay. If you don't know your way around the straight razor world, you can get burned. Just to be safe and to start with a sure thing, buy yourself a new razor. Ralf Aust makes a good 5/8 or a 6/8 razor.

Remember, sharpening knives and sharpening straight razors are two different practices. Get a shave ready razor for your first and you'll be all set. Beyond that, read as much as you can on the world of the straight razor and view as many videos as you can. Not all shaving videos are good. Start with Lynn Abram's shaving videos; they are quality.

Also, don't forget to ask questions. We're all here to help you.

Good luck and stay well.

Originally Posted by TomBrooklyn

I also understand this forum has a Classified section, but new members like myself are precluded from using it until they have a certain amount of posts made and time in, which is 3 to 6 months at least if I remember correctly, so I see no other practical choice but to shop on eBay.

First, welcome to SRP!

I think the classifieds rule is for members wanting to sell or trade. New members are frequently directed to the classifieds here on SRP. Also, check out the Vendors Corner.

Good to see you heading in the right direction but razors from ebay even if vintage can still be iffy and honing is not as easy it sounds. Have been there and done that but luckily started with a razor honed by a pro so had the time to learn. If you have the $ SRD has razors that start from 80 - 100. I have the ralf aust and is a great razor. Good luck.

Hey Tom,
I believe you can purchase straight razors from,the classifieds on srp right now.. I would stay away from ebay right now until u get proficient.. I've been out this over a year and I still steer away from,ebay.. Pasteurs pharmacy in NYC sells a lot of wet shaving gear soaps brushes etc... There is a steep learning curve in this whole wet shaving thing.. Don't give up I'm still learning everyday.. There are great people on here that will treat you like family.. And yes I would wait in the whole honing thing.. Get a shave ready razor so u know exactly what a proper hone razor is supposed to feel like..I do know some local pro honers around our area that are members of this forum pm me and I'll b more than happy to help,you out bayamontate is a great one..keep your eyes open I believe there is a local meet coming up In The area the guy who,usually does the big meets is mvacrash.. The meets are free and u will learn so much more in a meet than reading and watching videos.. There are also some great vendors on here that most of us have used look at straight razor designs which is owned by Lynn who,is the founder of this forum I would also check,out whipped dog.. Any question from one nyer to another feel free to contact me ... Good luck

How bad do you want it? Lol. I think 100 shaves will get you there and then it will continue to improve. Closest shaves I ever had and no irritation. But there will be days when the cart looks inviting. Go for it and stick to it. Get a shave ready off the classifieds or whipped dog and a strop. Shave ready is essential and practice your stropping.

OK. Thanks. I'll check out the classifieds.

I think it's only selling on the classifieds that you can't do, but I am not sure

Straight Razors for Sale | Straight Razors for Sale
This is a vendor active in the forum: HNSB, he is a vendor, moderator and developer, his site is SR4S. He looks kind of funny but his site is definitely a place you should look into. Good Luck and welcome. Be warned, many of the forum members have mental health issues which are contagious.

Originally Posted by WW243

Be warned, many of the forum members have mental health issues which are contagious.

Hey you talkin to me??? You must be talkin to me I'm the only one standing Here...



Har!!!