Thread: lurker finally a member as of today! SoCal

Hello all. I've lurked here for a few months off and on as my interest in straight razoring has continued to grow. I've gleaned enough information to finally make the decision to finally step up and get started. The initial investment has been the main factor holding me back but this weekend I finally came across a few blades that my buddy had from his grandfather who was a barber. I grabbed 5 razors that looked like they had promise based on the vast knowledge posted in the database. I dont get to keep all 5 but I do get to keep a couple and cut my teeth (or throat!) On them after I get them dialed in. Ill try and post detailed pics of each one but right now Im doing this via smartphone so it may be too cumbersome.

Regardless, I'll be here continuing to school myself and hopefuloy pass along some relevant information to others as I learn.

Great site everyone, it's going to be fun learning this new skill. NAES

Welcome from Southern California. Be on the lookout for a meet we're having this summer. Enjoy! Will be looking forward to some pics...

Welcome Naes,

You hit the motherload of info & help. It'll turn shaving from an annoying chore to an indulgent pleasure.

On the Blades, send them out for pro-quality edges. 'Much easier to learn w/ excellent (not just passable) edges.

'Hope to hear more as you go along.

Welcome from SoCal! You will enjoy this forum.

Wow! Thanks all already for the quick responses! Perhaps this forum is even more active than I thought!

BTW, if any of these razors are highly sought after, please let me know as I do not want to learn on the Ferrari of razors, I would prefer a Honda!


So lets get started shall we? Razor #1 is called a Spike. On the back it shows Oleans, New York. Its is flat on the spine and the edge is fairly flat with minor curvature. No pitting that i can feel with my fingernail and nothing major close to the blade edge. Looking down the spine or edge there is no twist. No cracks that I can see. The blade closes smoothly and doesnt touch the sides as it closes.

Ok, first pic set was a little out of order. Lets see if this is better.

Razor #2 is another Spike. Same model, same handle, etc. If I recall there were quite a few Spikes in the lot so gramps must have been a fan. Blade is much more discolored and clouded/stained. Some of those marks can be felt with my fingernail which tells me there may be some issues with trying to save it and make it usable. Particularly along the blade edge. But I grabbed it thinking a matched pair of razors would be good for side by side comparisons as I begin using them

#3 is another Spike. Blade looks very similar but the handle clearly has changed. I dont know if this makes it older or newer or what. Blade and handle definitely look more well used. Edge has a ridge of discoloration thats is barely felt with my fingernail. Im worried it might create a bunch of micro-pits that will prevent the edge from ever seeing its true potential. But I will defer to you all and any bladesmith you can refer me to locally or semi locally.

Hello, and welcome to SRP !!

Not just straight razors....we fish,fur trap,shoot longbows,drink scotch,drink tea,smoke cigars and pipes,shoot black powder guns,ice fish...you wanna talk about it...it's all right here...oh yeah ..WELCOME to the CLUB !!!

OK here we go with blade #4. Im pretty stoked on this razor and hope it will be a good one to use. Feels great in my hand. I like the blade width and the overall design. Purely going on instinct with this one though. My only reservation is that the spine has a slight curve in it and it appears that the blade edge does too which might make stropping and the rest a little more difficult to keep consistent until I get some skills under my belt.

Blade shank says "That man Pitts". San Francisco, Ca. The flip side says J.A.Henckels Twin Works. Solingen, Germany.