Thread: New to straight razors from Chicagoland

Gentlemen: I have been reading many posts on this forum and watching many videos on traditional shaving methods and products. I decided that now was the time to join in the forum fun.

I started shaving about fifty years ago using a Gillete DE razor and Schick single edge injector razor, but later switched to electric razors or cartridge razors as a matter of convenience. I traveled routinely for much of my career, so carrying the implements for a traditional wet shave was not a viable option. Now that I am retired, I have gone back to wet shaving. While shaving used to be a chore, I now look forward to my daily routine.

I inherited a couple of antique straight razors from my uncle. I always wanted to restore them and learn to use them. I started researching information on shaving techniques and razor maintenance. One of the razors is a Shumate spanish point made in St. Louis. Unfortunately, it had a rather bad chip in the toe, so I had to modify the edge profile to remove the chip. The second razor was a Geo Wostenholm square point made in Sheffield. The blade is in excellent condition, but the scales are broken. Until I replace the scales, I have taped the scales. Since the razor will no longer fold, I shave with it Japanese style.

I purchased a full set of Naniwa superstones 1000 ....12000 grit. I also purchased some inexpensive Chinese razors to develop my honing skills without damaging more valuable razors. I have been able to achieve a comfortable shave with the razors I have honed. I have a ruddy complexion (blue eyes), so my skin is rather sensitive. My beard has always grown rapidly such that I have to shave daily. If I do not get a close shave the first time, I sometimes have to shave a second time in the evening.

I have developed enough skill with the straight that I can now shave with the grain everywhere. I can shave against the grain everywhere except my chin. I am definitely right hand dominant and am still trying to develop skill with my left hand. I have some difficulty shaving across the grain; that will get easier when I learn to shave with both hands. Now, I perform a cleanup pass using a DE razor, especially around the chin. I now know why many men sported a mustache and chin hair in the days when straight razors were the only option. Many straight razor advocates still do.

Since I have now developed a basic set of skills using and maintaining a straight razor, I am now at a point where I am looking to purchase my first high-quality modern straight razor. Because I have been impressed with the edge on my Sheffield razor, one of my preferred options is the Boker silver steel which I believe contains Sheffield steel. Currently, SRD is out of stock on all Boker razors....bummer. Although I had never heard of Ralf Aust razors until recently, I have been impressed with the reviews of these handcrafted Solingen steel razors. Eventually, I would like to obtain a Hart Steel razor as well, but I am concerned that my honing skills are not up to the task of a near-wedge at this point in my journey.

My wife has agreed to get me a straight razor for Christmas, so I will be ordering one soon. If any of the gurus on SRP recommend another option, please let me know.

I hear a lot of folks talking about razor acquisition disorder and similar maladies involving hones, strops, brushes, soaps, etc. For better or worse, I am affected by several of these disorders. Somewhere I read that it is not RAD, etc. if you call it a hobby. So I guess wet shaving is my new hobby.

RayClem

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum.

There are several experienced users in your area. Getting together with one would be a great way to enhance your skill set.

IMHO, you cannot go wrong with Aust. They are great shavers and will come from SRP shave ready.

Welcome! Your first post here was enjoyable to read.

Hi and welcome. Check out SRD. Anything they sell will be good quality and they sell shave ready. If you haven't already get a shave ready razor from a pro as a benchmark. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

You can use this link to find members near you.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

Thanks to all who replied to my introduction.
My wife and I will be traveling from the Chicago area to Virginia for Thanksgiving. Since our normal route takes us the Ohio TPK just south of Cleveland, we are planning on taking a short detour to Medina to stop by the SRD store. I hope to pick up my first straight razor honed by Lynn. Unless he gets in some Bokers before I get there, I will probably pick up a Ralf Aust. I am debating between the Olivewood, Rosewood, Palisander and Blackwood scales. They are all beautiful; too bad my wife won't let me get one of each.

A trip to SRD/Imperial shave would be awesome. Enjoy!