Thread: Newbie onboard

Greetings!

Just recently joined as I wanted to learn more from those who generously share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the straight razor.

Hello. Welcome to Straight Razor Place, Armour!

Welcome. Please read as much as you can about starting out in our library , most answers are there. Read up on the do not buy list of razors , one of the biggest let downs is buying inferior equipment that sets you up for failure , and start practicing your stropping nor a butter knife and belt or your jeans will work to learn the motion , and then ask away , listen to the advise given and if you can find a mentor , there are a few guys up there who are class acts and very helpful including my good friend Roy(cudarunner). He always helps out new guys and the Razorfeld I believe is up there to and he is a mentor. Good luck. And enjoy the ride it's a long one to get done ,but worth it in the end. Tc

Welcome From Walla Walla WA!

And welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

If I can be of any help whatsoever please let me know. I usually have a shave ready entry level razor on hand. If you already have a razor that's a plus! You will also need a strop, brush, soap and a whole lot of patience as this age old art has a huge learning curve, but once semi mastered, it is very rewarding.

Again, Welcome to an older but better way of shaving, it's a long strange road but well worth the journey

Thanks for the advice Tc, I will be taking it! I came here via Lynns youtube video and quickly realized there are good folks here with genuine passion and earned knowledge to share. The library is a wealth of info and I did choose a razor here from the classifieds through a Senior member mentor that I feel guided me in the right direction. Will begin the stropping practice today and throw myself into learning from vets like you the same way I learned about vintage Harleys and cigars from those who have been down the road before me. Thanks again Tc, I will introduce myself to cudrunner and Razorfeld and keep the rubber on the road...

Thanks cudrunner,nice to here from an enthusiast from the land of the Green Lantern, wheat and wine! I have fond memories or should I say blurry memories of the Green Lantern after long days working the wheat fields there in my late teens. Yes, got a razor coming Monday for my 17 year old son on here, and am going to teach myself then hand it over to him with the aforementioned tools and hopefully knowledge I will be gaining here. Any advice on an inexpensive strop to start out with (on a tight budget) ?

Armour, welcome aboard. You were given good advice to contact cudarunner (and myself). Unless you can't get to Walla Walla for some face time (always works better than via email) I've written a Senior Member closer to your location to see if he can provide some face to face sessions on using a straight razor, etc. If he can't he should know of other members in your general area that can help. Keep us updated on your progress. I'd be glad to do face to face but I'm in Oregon.

Originally Posted by Armour

Thanks cudrunner,nice to here from an enthusiast from the land of the Green Lantern, wheat and wine! I have fond memories or should I say blurry memories of the Green Lantern after long days working the wheat fields there in my late teens. Yes, got a razor coming Monday for my 17 year old son on here, and am going to teach myself then hand it over to him with the aforementioned tools and hopefully knowledge I will be gaining here. Any advice on an inexpensive strop to start out with (on a tight budget) ?

How much can you spend? I feel like ebay can be a crapshhot, but could be the cheapest (and potentially worst) idea.

Gem Star Custom designs has a nice looking starter strop for a great price (gssixgun on this forum). You can get a 3 in Latigo from SRD for 50 bucks. Can get an Illinois from several places for a decent price too. 3 inch is easier to learn on.

Others will offer lots of advice as well I'm sure!

Good luck!

Ed

Welcome to the forum. Don't miss the meet this fall in Seattle!

Well glad I could give some advice , but now when it comes tomharleys I am in my area of expertise!!! 43 years of riding and building them , niw have 3 a1958, 1972, and. A 2010. Keep the shiny side up and go slow with the new art, and get a shave ready one right off

Tc