Thread: Hello from Central Missouri

Hello all. Wanted to say that I've been looking around on this site and there is a wealth of information that I wish I'd had 25 years ago.

Anyway, my name is Jeff and I live in Centralia, MO. I've not yet started with a straight razor...but soon. A couple weeks ago I was in the local drug store and spotted a safety razor. As the memories of my father came flooding back, I couldn't help but pick it and a cake of shaving soap up. This got me to looking on the internet for info on traditional shaving, and I found Lynn's fantastic video explaining all about shaving with a straight razor, and made me wish I had one. Then it dawned on me that I did, in fact, have a straight razor somewhere, which leads to the next story:

Back in the mid 80's I was a young lad in the Air Force, stationed at Incirlik, Turkey. One day I was shopping off base and one of the local stores had straight razors. I decided it would be cool to own one, and spent $20. I had all intentions of using it, but had no idea how. I put it away, then forgot about it. It traveled with me in a small case of mementos. Over the years, I got married, moved around a bit more, and finally wound up here in Centralia.

I had forgotten I still had that razor until I started finding all this great info, including this site. I couldn't remember what kind it was, or even where it was. I started searching the other night and found it, and much to my surprise, it turns out it's a Filarmonica #12! It had a little bit of rust/discoloration on the spine and on the etched side of the blade, but a little metal polish took this off. Unfortunately it also took off the gold etching. But the edge looks to be in good shape, as far as I can tell, and as soon as I can, I'll get it honed so I can start using it. In the meantime, I'll still probably get another decent one (looking at a Dovo).

Hopefully, will begin straight shaving soon, and will post an update. Until then, hello everybody and thanks to all of you for the wisdom in these pages.

Jeff Wells

Jeff, Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Welcome! I hope you enjoy the straight as much as the rest of us here.

Hi and welcome. If only I could find a filarmonica for $20. Good luck with your shaves and any other questions feel free to ask

Originally Posted by eddy79

Hi and welcome. If only I could find a filarmonica for $20. Good luck with your shaves and any other questions feel free to ask

Had I known then (25 years ago) what I know now I would have bought several.

Go to the meet in Kansas City the end of this month and they can help you to get the razor honed. Tc. Welcome by the way

Wow, thanks. Where can I find more info on this meet?

Edit: never mind, found it in the calendar.

Welcome Jeff!
If I can be of service, I'm in the Springfield area.