Thread: Hello: From the FNG

Hello all!! Zac from the Finger Lakes Region of NY here, and I have just been re-introduced to the manly art of wet shaving with a straight. My Grandfather taught me at a young age,(14) when I didn't fully appreciate the art. Now, as a man of 30, I rediscovered my Great-Grandfathers hand-me-down Joseph & Sons dated 1847. This discovery in my grandfathers things prompted me to get back into something I have been missing for half my life (I wet shaved with a straight until I joined the Army in 2002). Now, I fully appreciate the closeness that a straight gives.
I would like to restore my great-grandfathers razor, as it has incredible sentimental value to me. I am the fourth generation to own this particular piece of my family's history. My grandfather learned how to shave with this razor. I won't be shaving with it, but I will be handing it down to my future son. Suggestions on where I could send this 6/8 razor with bad scales to be restored (have new scales, honed, and stains removed) would be greatly appreciated.
I ordered my first razor from Whippeddog.com, a sight unseen with 2 poor man's strops. I had a badly made brush, and was using some homemade soaps from my wife's stash of essential oils and cream soaps. The homemade soap works okay, but doesn't get the lather I was looking for/expected. I will this week be ordering a "real" brush (badger hair rather than synth) and some soaps that will hopefully treat my face better. My neck has had a few ATG nicks, and only 1 cut that was where my chin/neck meet!! It may not be much of an accomplishment for most, but for me who hasn't done it in over 10 years, is pretty cool. So that's my shaving history, and will be looking through the threads for some additional technique pointers, AS's, and some suggestions for good soaps/creams. I look foward to the advice from persons with years of experience and people who are in a similar boat as myself. Thanks all on this site, you have already helped me more than you may know or realize to become knowledgeable in my journey of getting back into the world of wet shaving!!

Luxbest, Welcome to SRP.
For a restorer, check out Member Services in the Classifieds.

That's a great story, and you have a great piece of history. Now, I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but could you perhaps post a picture of that historic razor?

Of course!!

Hi and welcome. Great story. Sure with the information here you will have smooth shaves soon.

As you can see, this razor needs new scales and a good polishing and honing. Still not sure I want to make it "shave-ready" as I don't know if it is even possible on this particular piece of steel. It may be too worn to be a true shaver . My grandfather was using it when he taught me almost 20 years ago, so ya never know.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The family Heirloom razor is always the best - any of us who have one consider ourselves very lucky.

My suggestion would be to first not give up on any part of the razor, you would be surprised what some of the master restorers can do.

The Classifieds are a great place to look for help, ask questions, take as many high quality pictures as you can to help.

When I received two of my Grandfathers razors from my Dad (on Fathers Day no less) I sent them off to Glen at gemstarcustoms.
There are other skilled restorers in the Classifieds.

And you don't have to use it every day, I bring my Grandfathers razors out on Fathers day and his Birthday.
But as you note - you are not so much the owner but more the current custodian.

Good luck and Smooth shaving.

Cheers to you MJC: I did some research and looked around in the classifieds and came up e-mailing the guy(s) at gemstarcustoms.com. I have thought about the restoration for that reason, I would like it to be a special occasion razor. Your story really hit home for me; and I appreciate your honesty and willingness to share. The fathers day story got me a bit misty, as it reminded me of many a special occasion in the lavatory with my grandfather and I shaving at the (and fighting for the) mirror with our straights. Unfortunately, I do not have the razor I learned with, as it was a junky little five-and-dime style that didn't really hold an edge. On the other hand, wish I still had that blade for future generations to have cool stories about. I now will for sure get that razor restored and use it sparingly in my family's memory. I just don't feel I have the expertise to restore it that it deserves, I will leave it to the pros. Thanks again, and smooth shaving to you too sir!!

I was able to find the thread from my Fathers Day surprise:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ferrerid=33524

Take your time, and the restore can take some time.
But when you remember that this restoration will be good enough for your grandchildren (or longer) - it's worth the time and effort.

Smooth Shaving...