Newby from St. Louis

I've been lurking and learning for a bit but I'm finally joining in and introducing myself after seeing how great this community is.

I'm in my 40's and about ten years ago I had someone suggest switching to a brush and soap when I had complained about some sensitive skin issues. Making the switch was a worthwhile one but since that time I have had some interest in learning the art of shaving with a straight razor. Recently I mentioned this to one of my family members and shortly thereafter received a "straight razor" as a gift. Notice the quotes there? I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth but when that horse is a blade and that blade is a Master USA then I feel that I have to lament the fact that what I really received is a pocket knife that looks like a razor (thanks for teaching me this already, everyone!)

So now I am searching for equipment on a budget (yes, I'm keeping my eye on the classifieds) and trying to build my knowledge base. While being on a tight budget is never fun it has served to curb my impulses (I suspect I'm a potential RAD sufferer) and learn as much as I can before I run out and buy a straight razor and strop. To this end I look forward to annoying you all with my questions!

Welcome! You will have lots of fun here. So much to learn. Enjoy the journey!

You are in luck.

Lynn, the founder of this forum, lives in St Louis. He also happens to be a hell of a nice guy and is always willing to help out new guys. Send him a PM and set up a time to visit with him. He will help you get your best possible start with all this fun!

Keep an eye out for antique stores. Sometimes you can score a deal on a simple razor and get it honed by one of the guys on here. I've picked up a razor for 8 bucks this way. Also, antique strops aren't too common, but worthwhile to look for, plenty of restoration threads on here to rejuvenate the leather.

Welcome and good luck with the 'AD's!

Welcome from an ex st louis guy , Ballwin , Ellisville area, grew up there and moved when I married, two of my kids and grandkids still there along with my dad, Tc

Thank you all for the warm welcome! I'll have to reach out to Lynn but I'll admit my hesitation to simply "cold call" for help. That said, I'll get over it because my goal is to have the most positive experience possible and I certainly believe that a mentor and the knowledge he can bring would be a huge step in the right direction. That goal is also a help on the SR front as I'd prefer to gather information and money to buy good equipment as opposed to rushing out to plunk money down on something that might actually prove detrimental to my efforts.

@tcrideshd - It's nice to hear from a (former) local but I'm a little suspicious of the claim since you didn't simply tell me where you went to high school (a rather old custom in StL, for those who have never lived here.) I'm in northern Jefferson County so I'm not too far from your former haunts.

Welcome to the forum.

Well no nothing shady, Lafayette high, Ellisville, to be totally accurate, on New Ballwin Rd. , North Jefferson county, well dad lives n Hillsboro. I myself have been gone noy 20 years, so I did have 43 there. Tc

As too former haunts I did a lot of running around, High Ridge, and Fenton, spent alot of time at the local biker bars, and in Times Beach, so depending on your age you might know all about Times Beach.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Well no nothing shady, Lafayette high, Ellisville, to be totally accurate, on New Ballwin Rd. , North Jefferson county, well dad lives n Hillsboro. I myself have been gone noy 20 years, so I did have 43 there. Tc

As too former haunts I did a lot of running around, High Ridge, and Fenton, spent alot of time at the local biker bars, and in Times Beach, so depending on your age you might know all about Times Beach.

---

Of course I only include the accusation as a joke. I did get a laugh about where you used to run around as I've lived in the High Ridge area, off and on, most of my life. I'm actually in Byrnes Mill and spend a fair amount of time passing through (well around, now) Hillsboro as the in-laws are in DeSoto and I did a few years at Jefferson College back in the day. Sadly I am old enough to remember Times Beach but only as a child and I have a close friend who grew up there. I still remember the MODOT signs along I-44 where they had removed the reflectors but the the old outline for the exit remained for years and still think about it when I pass through the area. The little museum attached to the state park has a section devoted to Times Beach and its demise but the land has largely forgotten that the town was ever there.

Thank you very much for the warm welcome and maybe we can lift a beer together sometime you are in town!

Hi and welcome. Any questions feel free to ask