Thread: Newbie from Nyc, what's going on?

Hi All,

Not going to lie I have about a millions questions but will only start with a few today. I have been lurking around the site for about a month until today so there we go I made some progress. I was curious if anyone had heard of taking a shaving class. There is one offered by ny shaving company and was wondering if that is the smartest way to get started on the right foot?

Also I had scouring eBay for a while and stumbled on freije & Ashe straight from Germany that was shave ready stropped and honed. Was wondering if anyone knew any info on it.

If anyone has any good advice send it on over. Thanks in advance and excited to join the community.


-dave

Hi Dave,

I started recently myself, and I started with a "vintage" straight ( so called "shave ready" ) from ebay... I wish I did not... If I were to start anew, I would buy a new, least expensive DOVO or Thiers Issard and would send it to Lynn Abrams to have it professionally honed.

Attending a class sounds like a good idea, if the cost is not prohibitive and if you need an interaction with a person to start learning a new skill. Alternatively, there are quite a few very elaborate videos on you tube that could be very informative and helpful.

I would also recommend to start learning how to hone your own razors. But be warned: HAD and RAD (Hone and Razor Aqusition Disorders) come fast and hit hard. But it is totally worth it!!!

Welcome to the land of straight blades!!!

Like stated, not sure about the seller and shave ready means different things to different folks. +1 on there being a lot of very helpful how to videos available on this site, and on youtube by members of this site. However, if the class is reasonably priced it could be a good investment of time and money. May also be a good way to meet some like-minded razor folk. Best of luck either way!

Thanks for the input. I had read his reviews and he had been selling tons of straight razors. Fingers are crossed its a solid beginner blade. Second option is i had also gotten a geneva cutlery blade which looks to be in great shape, just need to have it sharpened. I think I really caught the itch. I am constantly looking at straight razors now, haha.

Welcome to SRP

Look for a future local meetup. Look for a local mentor via the Local Help Library page. Specifically PM mjsorkin the NY/NJ local help.

Jonathan

Hi and welcome. RAD is a common beginner problem and can make for a longer learning curve due to swapping razors all the time, I should know, but 2 is a good starter rotation for the first few months. Geneva is a good brand so send it for honing. As said if you can find a local mentor you can save a lot of time in learning and often they will help with honing of your starter razors. Good luck and any questions just ask. Ed

There will be a meetup in march on long island. It's a great environment to get tips, honing help, advice, and comraderie.

I have heard nothing about the class. If its not too expensive it might be fun. I don't think it's necessary.

As suggested by the above poster, pm me any time with questions.

Michael

March 1st, a Saturday at 9am
We will have a get together
Several very good skilled honing experts will be there

Always a few guys that bring shave ready razors for sale or trade

Great chance to get some one on one

I will repost the event later today
Or you can PM me and I'll give you the details

A shaving class might help, but it depends on who's teaching it. This very site your on is probably the best way to learn the right way. Good luck!

Mjsorkin is totally awesome on synthetic stones.

Come to the march 1 meet up if u r interested in jnat or European stones.
Sadly Michael will not be able to attend but nelson and Bill will be there. Bring your razor and watch a pro put an edge on that blade that will have you singing like the Barber of Seville . These guys are so good they can probably put a shaving edge on the top of a progresso soup can. Of course ymmv