Another Newbie intro

Hi Guys,

It appears that I have a new, and possibly expensive, hobby to explain to family and friends. I've wanted to learn how to have a grandpa shave since having a pro barber perform one on me about 15 years ago but I've spent all of this time buying into the hype of more blades are better (you know where my finger is pointing :D). Having bounced around the internet for a few weeks, I happened upon this site (oh, alright then, a quick 2 minute Google search and then pressed the clicky :) ).

I've managed to get my hands on a couple of antique razors (A Nowills one and a Solingen Raccoon)for a couple of pounds each (about 3 bucks for my American brethren) and promptly got in touch with Glen Mercurio (really cool name by the way:D (and thanks for your patience Glen) to get them refurbed/renovated. Really looking forward to hacking away at my rapidly wrinkling face when I get them back.

Look forward to pestering some of the old and bolds (and the newbies too) for info and help (and probably the directions to the emergency room).

Stay Safe and Stay Happy

Steve

Keep in mind it doesn't NEED to be expensive. If you keep to the basics of one or two razors, a strop, a brush, and a barber hone, then that and an occasional puck of soap is all you will need for the rest of your life.

Good luck smoothing out those wrinkles.

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Originally Posted by Utopian

Keep in mind it doesn't NEED to be expensive. If you keep to the basics of one or two razors, a strop, a brush, and a barber hone, then that and an occasional puck of soap is all you will need for the rest of your life.

Good luck smoothing out those wrinkles.

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Thanks for the response and advice Utopian, I like to keep things simple (and cheap) and I'm sure that Glen will work wonders on the blades that I sent to him.

As for the wrinkles, well, that's another matter entirely :D

Welcome to SRP. When you get those razors back from Glen read my sig below to avoid removing any of those wrinkles unintentionally. :D

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. When you get those razors back from Glen read my sig below to avoid removing any of those wrinkles unintentionally. :D

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Don't worry Jimmy, I've definately paid attention to what you've written in your sig. I'm ugly enough as it is without making myself look like Freddie Kruger due to being impatient :D

Welcome to SRP, Red!

I've been straight shaving for almost 2 mos., so I can't deliver a lot of sage advice yet, but there are definitely gentlemen here who can make the ride smooth for you. They have for me.

As for the comments of friends, I've heard too many in the past 2 months to recall. My best friend's response: "Let me know how that goes - I know a couple of good plastic surgeons". People's comments remind me of one of my favorite John Geirach quotes: "I think I fish, in part, because it's an anti-social, bohemian business that, when gone about properly, puts you forever outside the mainstream culture without actually landing you in an institution." You can substitute "shave with a straight razor" for ""fish":)

I say this next comment with all due respect to the blade, but I receive more nicks per week with a safety razor than with a straight. However, it's incredibly important that you follow the advice in Jimmy's signature line. Obie says the same thing another way: Treat the razor like a bird, holding it firm enough so it doesn't escape but gently enough so you don't harm it.

Indecision can be a dangerous thing. The worse nick I've had so far (it was really minor) occurred when I touched the blade to my face, THEN stopped to consider the direction of the stroke. Lesson learned - decide what you're going to do BEFORE touching the blade to your face. It doesn't take much lateral drift to produce a cut.

I wish you success on your new adventure. Keep us posted. As Obie says "Piece o' cake".

Happy shaving,
Greg

Hello Steve and welcome to SRP. Glad to have you aboard. You've certainly come to the right place to learn about straight razor shaving. Enjoy.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Will keep you informed of all injuries and the odd success story.

Just a quick question; Is it all abut the hunting for that elusive classic razor at an antique store or the closeness of the shave?

:D