Thread: New SRP Member

My name is Joel and my journey to using a Straight Razor began after I read an article at gizmodo, the gadget guide: Razors Under a Microscope - Shaving - Gizmodo I searched the web for Straight Razor information and discouvered the SRP and a wealth of information on the subject of shaving with a straight razor.

After much reading of the Wiki and beginners pages I purchased my first razor, one that was restored and honed by Lynn. I also picked up at a local flea market a Boker in very good condition abet in need of honing and some polishing.

Armed with a carefully stropped razor I proceeded to give myself my first self administered shave. I did one complete pass WTG and was hooked. The first shave required about 40 minutes but was bloodless and absolutely wonderful.

I look forward to my shaving experience now even though I am still in the early learning stages. I am now shaving WTG followed by ATG and have started using both hands to perform the task. I look forward to many more SR shaves and getting into razor restoration and honing.

I have to tell you that this experience raised old memories of when I was a boy and the local barber (my best friend’s stepfather) would give me a haircut followed by trimming my neck with a straight razor. I was about 8 or 9 and not yet tall enough to be at a working height in the barber chair. The shop had a leather padded board that they would sit on the chair arms to get us up high enough to work on. The barber shop Mr Kearney ran has been closed for almost 15 years now but when you walk by the shop it still looks like it did 50+ years ago. The three barber chairs are covered with sheets and there are still hanging strops by the chairs and shaving products on the back counter, there is no telling what kind of goodies are still in the drawers. I hope to get access to the shop soon and will take some photos to post to this forum so everyone can take a trip back in time.

And the journey continues..........

Hello, Joel:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

You have done your homework and have begun shaving. Now take your time honing your skills.

This morning I spent 45 minutes on my shave.

It's your shave and you can spend as much time on it as you want. Whatever you do, just don't rush it. Celebrate the whole ritual.

Regards,
Obie

Great story, Thanks for sharing it. Welcome to SRP by the way. I have a similar story, My Grandfather use to frequent a local barber shop, and would sometimes take me along for a haircut. I too got the back of my neck shaved with a straight razor, being young, I was a little freaked out when I saw him coming at me with it. Man, if he could see now....Congrats on your shave, and feel free to ask questions....

Rich

P.S Obie, you beat me by seconds.....

Originally Posted by zib

Great story, Thanks for sharing it. Welcome to SRP by the way. I have a similar story, My Grandfather use to frequent a local barber shop, and would sometimes take me along for a haircut. I too got the back of my neck shaved with a straight razor, being young, I was a little freaked out when I saw him coming at me with it. Man, if he could see now....Congrats on your shave, and feel free to ask questions....

Rich

P.S Obie, you beat me by seconds.....

My dear Zib:

Ah, but then I have the honor to be on the same page with you.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

My dear Zib:

Ah, but then I have the honor to be on the same page with you.

Regards,
Obie

You are too kind Obie. The honor is mine....

Slash,

It's strange how a forgotten memory can be triggered by something someone else says. I'm 50 years old and am eagerly awaiting arrival of my first SR next week. Other than when I used to get a "razor cut" haircut in my teens & 20's I thought a SR had never touched my skin. That is, until your post. I now remember the "old time" barber shop my dad took my brother & me to as a young kid - the strop hanging on the back of the chair and a SR used to shave the back of my neck. Thanks for bringing back that memory.

I also remember having other barbers trim the back of my neck with electric trimmers and feeling the teeth nick my skin & thinking that I was being electrocuted by faulty trimmers. I don't remember being scared by the SR, but definitely remember being scared by the thought of electrocution