Thread: Hello from Incirlik Turkey

Hello well I am brand new to this. I like a lot of folks got a straight razor for Christmas from their wives. I got a gold dollar off Amazon and have already used it once. Unfortunately the wife didn't get me a strop so I am waiting until it arrives before I use the razor again. I have to say I am really excited about using the razor and learning. I am curious though as to what razor I should get next. I really like the Puma's but they are a little pricey.

Welcome to SRP Puma: don't be surprised if your Gold Dollar Razor doesn't give a good first shave".Most don't come with "real shave ready edges." Visit the forms help section for advice on how to maintain and shave with your new S.R.

Welcome to SRP! Quality comes at a price, so don't expect much from your Gold Dollar razor. Check out the Classifieds as an avenue to something more substantial. Good luck!

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome Puma, I'm sure your Gold Dollar will have a factory edge. A factory edge will be very rough. You'll find that any factory edge needs to be sharpened usually on a razor quality hone.

It's usually recommended that until you are setup and practiced doing this yourself, you should have someone with experience do it for you the first few times. This can be a barber willing, or others that hone for a small fee.

There are other razors that will hold an edge better than your Gold Dollar, but you wouldn't be the first to start with that razor.

Good luck and if there is any advice I would emphasize it would be to read thoroughly before making purchases. Also feel free to ask questions. There is plenty of advice here to go around.

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Oh and one more thing I might add Puma razors are a great choice. With the name Puma I just thought you should know.

Hi & welcome to SRP. You will love it here & there is plenty to learn as there is a wealth of information on here! Here is the first bit of information for you to know:
Straight Razor Place - Beginners Tips: December 2014
Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Library
You will want to buy you a nice straight razor to begin with whether used or new. Beware of used ones not that they are bad but know what to look for like a lot of hone wear on the spine & edge or chips in the blade. Stay away from razors with rust on the cutting edge as that will only result in it chipping more metal off as it is honed. Here is also a list of straights to stay away from:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwik...azors_to_Avoid
Here is a list of good brands of razors you will want to own plus there are more than just these out there which you will find out from other members here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwik...t_Razor_Brands
If buying a new razor, I suggest you buy one from Straight Razor Designs - Gifts for Men | Straight Razors or SRD. The owner & founder of this forum is Lynn & he is also part owner of SRD. When you buy a straight razor from him, he will personally hone that razor before you get it plus you will get a certificate for another free honing for when that razor needs it which should be a few months. There will be vendors who will sell you a straight razor that is supposed to be shave ready but really won't be. You will most importantly need to know how to strop & you can learn in the Library or here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwik...azor_stropping
You will need to strop your razor before & after you shave. If you buy one from Lynn, chances are you won’t have to strop it before you use it the first time.
You will also need a shaving brush, a shaving mug & some shaving soap. Later it will also do you good to get a second straight razor so that when you send the first one out to be honed, you will have a backup to shave with.
Here is a link to the Library where you will find stropping in there & everything else you will need to know including how to hone:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwik..._Place_Library
Also here is Lynns bevel setting video & some of gssixguns honing video's:
https://www.youtube.com/user/gssixgun/videos
Bevel setting on a Chosera 1K taught by Lynn Abrams
Here is another good link to know:
Welcome to the Workshop: How do I / Where do I / What do I / answers are here
Should you have any questions, there are a lot of knowledgable members on here that will be more than happy to help you out. If you want to find someone in your area, you can look here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwik...php/Local_Help
And if you can't find anyone near you, just ask and someone that lives in your are & hopefully they will let you know how to meet up & you can get some one on one mentoring. There is a lot to do on here, just search everywhere on the forum & in the Library. You will spend hours on here & have fun doing it, so there you go, have at it!
Good luck & have fun!
Steve

Hi and welcome. Puma razors are money well spent. I have 4 now and wouldn't sell any of them. A better quality razor will likely enhance you experience as well. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

The Puma is a very nice razor which is why they are a bit pricey but once you get one, you will love & cherish it always & will want to hand it down to your children later.