Thread: Hello From Portland!

After several years of considering making the shift to straight razors (I was raised on Gillette Fusion Proglides), today I inherited two old Wade & Butcher straight razors (a 5/8 Special and I believe a 9/16) that supposedly haven't been used for about 85 years, and have only occasionally left their cases during that time. I am hoping to have them both professionally honed, since I want it done right the first time, and will be shopping around for a nice soap, a strop, and a lather brush over the next couple of days. As an undergrad student, I am also hoping this can be done without breaking the bank, and either way look forward to the adventure that lies ahead, and using this site as a resource. Thanks!

Welcome at this forum

Welcome aboard
You have some locals making straights near I think

Welcome to SRP adavidson. Lets talk basics. It is a bottomless pit when it comes to the areas of need you speak of. I'm a believer in staring as simple as possible and slowly going from there.

Your best bet for soap, brush and mug would be a Van Der Hagen set of small bowl, brush and soap. Not 'top tier', as many would say and tend to disdain it, but a decent place to start and it gives decent results. As for a strop there are many choices. Unless you already know how to strop you want top avoid an expensive one since till you have mastered the skill you will basically destroy your first one.

I am in Forest Grove and am more than happy to sit down with you for a couple of hours and go over the basics, show you the basic techniques and what a proper shave is like. I also can loan you some items so you can see if that is what you want and save you the expense. Actually, at this time, as far as soap, bowl and brush goes, I can give you a decent soap and bowl. You need only to buy a brush. I would recommend, again, a Van Der Hagen brush, about $7 or $8 dollars. Most drugstores carry that brand. Bi-Mart also has them.

PM me for a few names of people that will do a bang up job getting your W&B's shave ready. You are lucky to have inherited them. They are top notch and well sought after razors.

Hi and welcome. Best to start with a cheaper but quality strop or one with replacement pieces and soaps and brushes can be had cheaply enough for quality items. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome. Take Razorfelds offer. Youll be glad you did. Shortening the learning curve is a big plus for someone new to straight shaving.

Hello, and welcome aboard!!

Thanks for the advice everyone, I will definitely take all the help I can get!

Welcome and good luck!

Welcome to SRP. We love Wade and Butchers and pictures and pictures of Wade and Butchers(hint)