Thread: Hello from Pennsylvania!

Hello everyone I'm from PA. I'm new to this hobby, I don't know much about straight razors but I've used the ones with disposable blades before. Yesterday I received my first real straight razor from eBay and I'm sure I've made a few things I shiu have done like buying that razor without doing some research first. The razor I bought is a vintage Shumate Barber from what I bel to be from the 20's or older.

I'm joining this forum to learn about straight razors, shaving and more.

Welcome to SRP, you've got an enjoyable road trip ahead of you. First things first. Read a lot in the Library. Ask questions. And look for a Mentor or Senior Member near you to help you get started properly. They are here to assist, no cost, anyone willing to put in the work to get the best shaves of their lives.

I want to emphasise that the first steps consist mainly of learning how to build a good lather, learning how to strop properly so as to not ruin your razors edge, to learn how your beard grows so you can find the best directions to shave on your face. The last thing you want at this point is to concern yourself with honing a razor. Down the line you will want to first learn how to touch up an edge. Honing from bevel set to shave ready is like nothing else in the world.No prior experience in sharpening knives and tools will do you any good. It is said honing a razor starts where you stop sharpening a knife.

In this field it is the slow start that wins the race. So take your time. Learn the small steps first and soon enough you will be striding.

Let me add: Pennsylvania

• avatar1999 (SC PA, Chambersburg area) (Hagerstown, MD area)

If he is not near you do a search in the membership files, advance search, type in your locale and see what comes up. Widen the search, if need be, by trying other places near you. Like I said most active Senior Members are more than willing to share and give you a one one one session or two.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Welcome to SRP, you've got an enjoyable road trip ahead of you. First things first. Read a lot in the Library. Ask questions. And look for a Mentor or Senior Member near you to help you get started properly. They are here to assist, no cost, anyone willing to put in the work to get the best shaves of their lives.

I want to emphasise that the first steps consist mainly of learning how to build a good lather, learning how to strop properly so as to not ruin your razors edge, to learn how your beard grows so you can find the best directions to shave on your face. The last thing you want at this point is to concern yourself with honing a razor. Down the line you will want to first learn how to touch up an edge. Honing from bevel set to shave ready is like nothing else in the world.No prior experience in sharpening knives and tools will do you any good. It is said honing a razor starts where you stop sharpening a knife.

In this field it is the slow start that wins the race. So take your time. Learn the small steps first and soon enough you will be striding.

thank you for all the advice you've giving me. I need all of it as I am a blank page as of today.

Welcome to SRP.

Very sound advice given above. At this point in time, concentrate on the shaving rather than the honing. There is something very enjoyable learning to hone and shaving with an edge you have put on the razor, yourself, but there is plenty of time for that later. Get the basics down first and enjoy your new journey. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Optometrist

Welcome to SRP.

Very sound advice given above. At this point in time, concentrate on the shaving rather than the honing. There is something very enjoyable learning to hone and shaving with an edge you have put on the razor, yourself, but there is plenty of time for that later. Get the basics down first and enjoy your new journey. Good luck!

For now I don't really have an interest in honing, for now I just want to start practicing on shaving with the straight razor. I do need to get my razor shave ready and I'm looking for a reputable service provider. Thanks for your advice.

Hi and welcome. Check out the classifieds for member services to find someone who can hone your razor. If you haven't yet you will need a strop, brush and soap as well. Any questions feel free to ask

Hi & welcome to SRP. eddy79 has already informed you of what to do so get you a strop, brush, soap & a mug or dish & find someone in our classifieds to hone your razor. gssixgun is very reputable but if you don't use him, there are others. You will most importantly need to learn to strop. You can use an old wide leather belt & a butter knife for now. If you wait until you get your new strop, use a butterknife like I said because it is very easy to cut your strop with a straight razor. Read plenty in the Library, there's plenty to learn in there starting at the beginners guide. Good luck!

Welcome to SRP!

Originally Posted by engine46

Hi & welcome to SRP. eddy79 has already informed you of what to do so get you a strop, brush, soap & a mug or dish & find someone in our classifieds to hone your razor. gssixgun is very reputable but if you don't use him, there are others. You will most importantly need to learn to strop. You can use an old wide leather belt & a butter knife for now. If you wait until you get your new strop, use a butterknife like I said because it is very easy to cut your strop with a straight razor. Read plenty in the Library, there's plenty to learn in there starting at the beginners guide. Good luck!

Thank you, I'm reading all about strops but I think is working against me because now I can't decide what to get.