Thread: hello from Philadelphia

Technically in the suburbs. I have started straight shaving about 2-3 years ago when I got myself a dovo shavette . went from small blades to large blades and inevitably I ended up with a straight razor. From my first razor about 5 months ago to now i've added 3 more razors ,a strop and a lot of vintage stones.
So this is my introduction and hello to everyone.

Welcome! Many knowledgeable members in your area. No worrries! They shall come along!

Hi and welcome aboard

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/srpwi...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/srpwi...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/srpwi...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/srpwi...uide_to_Honing
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/srpwi...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

in terms of supplies im fairly set.
Razors-
dubl duck goldedge
craig barr series 4
geo cramer special
joseph allen

hones
plenty, but will get a norton 4k/8k sometime in the future

strop
canvas/ horse hide 2 1/2

brush
best badger

and soaps ....
i am obsessed with sterling soaps so i have enough to last me the next 5 years
porosso and taylor of old bond st are in the back and don't get used often

I read an article on the craig barr series 4 blades you see on eBay & they are made from a very, very hard steel! Harder than most razors out there & the only advantage that I can see is that they may hold an edge for a longer period of time but as far as honing & stopping one, you will be there a long, long time. I wish I could find the article but you can probably find it by Googling it I need to get a front tire on my wrecked Harley because I just got word that I need to go visit my mother, she is not getting out of bed & I'm hoping she comes out of it but meanwhile I need to try & get over there & I don't have a car! Personally, I don't like the craig barr series blades! They might be good but I haven't been impressed yet! I could be wrong though! I hear he makes good knives.

Yo Honorakr
Welcome to the forum looks like your pretty set with kit. Hope you stick with it, its well worth it in the end.
I'm a Philly boy myself Burholme in the northeast to be specific. Don't be bashful feel free to ask any questions.
Again welcome.
Darl (Tarkus)

Thanks to every one for the warm welcome, it's good to be here. On the note of the Craig Barr razor i started a rolling review and would appreciate your opinions and comments.

Welcome to SRP!

i just got a vintage razor for my dad ,would anyone recommend a honer to get in contact with, i can do maintenance honing but i don't have the stones( or experience) to set a edge.