Thread: Greetings From Chicago

Hello,

I am so happy I stumbled across these forums. After many months of finally being fed up with the way I have been shaving. I am one of those guys who after 1 or 2 uses of a disposable or cartage razor it was to the point where it got dull and started to drag and get small nicks. And never fail, 2-4 hours later the 5 o'clock shadow was in full bloom. I cannot say I am the fullest nor thickest bearded man....but thanks to genetics I must have some mutant facial hair seems to be strong as hell. (even my fiancé has noted that the needles from my face get to be too much sometimes).

I decided there has to be a better way. After a little research I did find a better way.....the old way. I have always loved the image of shaving with a straight razor ever since I was a kid. I took my father’s shaving cream and a popsicle stick and ran it over my face. Too much laughing from my parents, which did not stop my young obsession. But unoforchanately my father never used a Straight or a DE razor...he was an old bic disposal man (and still is). Which brings me here as an adult....very unhappy with the shaves and the money on razors.

My Plan, to ditch the disposable and cartage razors.

Find a vintage DE razor, get a good starting brush/cream/soap/ect.

Use the DE to get my face use to a single edge and me use to using a brush and soap/cream.

Look for a good vintage straight, send it out to be honed/cleaned ect. Purchase a strop and figure out how to strop a razor properly.

Set aside money that I can devote to an old obsession that is now new.

And finally get the Fiancé to be onboard with all the extra expense that will happen with this.


Finally if I may: Help....please

I want to know if there is any locals in Chicago who can steer me in the right direction.... to find affordable starting supplies.

Is there any good local shops to pick up creams,soaps,bruses? And any Recommendations?

I have started looking at the Antiques stores this weekend for both a DE and a straight but had no luck finding anything at all. Any suggestions on other chicagoland shops which people have found luck in finding razors?

I know there are a ton of web/ebay/ect that can help me out, but for my first razor, brush ect...I kind of want to feel it in my hand to get something that suits me well.


Thank you all in advance,

Jeremy

Hey Jeremy,

Welcome to SRP! Try Merz Apothecary. There are a couple of locations. Best of luck, Sir.

Paul

Hello, Jeremy:

Welcome to SRP. Look around the site, especially the Wiki, for tons of information on straight razor shaving. Any specific questions? Post them and you'll have your answer from the many experts at SRP.

In the Chicago area, one of the best shops is Truefitt & Hill, at 900 N. Michigan Ave. Truefitt & Hill is one of the top lines of shaving products.

Also, scores of men's shaving product vendors are listed at SRP. Check them out online.

Regards,

Obie