Thread: New girl has questions...

First off, welcome to SRP. I'd have to agree with the other guys, only adding that a nice scuttle would be a nice gift also.

Originally Posted by Marlee

Hi! I'm new to SRP (though not completely unfamiliar with it) and was hoping you guys could help me out (and perhaps I could learn some things while I'm here).

Valentine's day is coming up, and I'd like to get my boyfriend something for his straight razor addiction. However, I have no idea what would be appreciated, appropriate, and thoughtful. I don't have a huge budget, but would like to get something nice to show that I'm interested in his hobby.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated-this is the best idea I've got. And who knows, I may stick around SRP for a while and start using a straight razor myself.

Take some time and see if you can take inventory of what he already has
and what he likes.

Sometimes guys will disclose what 'next' bit of shave gear they are
looking for.

It is hard to go wrong getting a selection of shave creams or soaps.

Look for the travel size products. The new airline rules have opened
this little market up.... not all the products have tumbled but some
have.

I would not be unhappy if my girlfriend got me a selection of classic
shave creams all under $12.each.

I would not be unhappy if I hinted I liked sandalwood and I got a selection
of sandalwood creams and soaps all from different makers. Or if he
has a favorite soap/ cream maker then a selection of their products
all different.

Good razors, brushes, strops and sharpening hones are all too expensive to
almost get the right one.

BTW shaving soaps and creams last a lot longer than you might expect.
Six months from a puck of shaving soap is not uncommon.

Welcome! You've got a lucky guy.

Everything that's been said so far is solid advice I think. We need more info or pics. You've still got some time, since most anything is going to be ordered online...you've got over 2 weeks before the really outrageous shipping charges would kick in.

Honing, equipment is risky unless you know what he's got or looking for.
If he's fairly new razors are a pretty safe bet...but expensive.
If he's "seasoned" enough to know what he likes/dislikes in a razor it's not so safe a bet anymore...and still expensive.
Soaps/Creams/Brushes/Scuttles I think are a safe bet and run the gamut of price ranges.

Let me reassure you by hitting on something others have mentioned and by using a favorite Thomas a'Kempis quote:
"He who loves with purity considers not the gift of the lover, but the love of the giver."

Check out the Ladies' Corner as well

If I had to guess, I'd say he's been straight shaving for about 6 months now. As for what he has, He has a razor or two (but I'm not particularly looking to get him a razor), one badger brush, another newer brush he prefers, and a bunch of soaps and aftershaves (none of which I know the brands of...).

I'm most interested in getting him some new soap or a scuttle. He's mentioned wanting an almond scented soap, and I know he's been wanting a scuttle for a while. I'm looking to spend up to $100 (I may be using this gift idea for another occasion as well, so perhaps even a bit more...). He's also mentioned that he thinks the Japanese razors are neat (the ones without the handles).

Hope that helps if anyone has some more specific suggestions! Thanks so much for your help!

Well, that's easy then. TOBS Almond, if he doesn't have it already, and a nice scuttle will fit into your budget nicely. He might also like http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...tml#post531118 (also within your budget). I've had it for about a week, and it's great for refreshing slightly dull edges.

I agree with BeBerlin, some Taylor of Old Bond Street almond soap or cream with a scuttle would be a great gift! People are raving about the G5 Scuttles.

I ordered mine last week but am still waiting for delivery.

Well, after doing some investigating I've discovered that the boyfriend recently bought himself a G5 scuttle, samples of Truefitt & Hill soaps/creams, brush stands, etc. Basically all of my best options. I would get him some nice soap or creams, but I'm not sure what he does and doesn't have (seems like he has everything)...

You guys have all been wonderful in helping me think of things. I'm not sure if I should just order him one or two kinds of soap (I'm worried he will have what I get him or not like the smell, etc, I'm probably worrying too much...) or just give him the Godiva chocolate I've ordered online and explain to him this whole fiasco. I'm feeling a bit hopeless.

On a different note, Godiva has Christmas chocolates cheap online, just because the box has a green ribbon around it (the chocolates are just normal). IMO, its a good deal.

Marlee, you can still go the gift certificate route, that way he can get whatever his heart desires SRD has all kinds of goodies from razors, to hones, strops, soaps, creams and just about everything else under the sun. You can always enclose the gift certificate in a card along with the Chocolates