Hi from Hampshire in the UK
Hi all from Andover, Hampshire in the UK,
Been wondering around the internet looking at straight razors, old/new, expensive/cheap and found this site and thought I would stop and request and say hello. Bottom line is I am currently taken with the idea of getting a straight razor, leather strop et al and using on a regular basis. Probably not everyday but semi regular dependant on time available etc.
Some background - ex-British military so shaved every working day for circa 24 years until I left in 2004 so extremely used to wet shaving. Still shave daily on weekdays but now highly frustrated with the standard blades etc available from main outlets regarding cost etc. Recently taken to 'cleaning' blades to extend their life (brushing backwards on towel as shown readily on Youtube) and this appears to work for me to some extent in prolonging life of disposables.
I don't think this is a fad but have never used a straight razor before, although I have been shaved on several holidays in Turkey and greatly enjoyed the experience. I have now got hold of a reasonably priced entry level razor and strop to get me started with a view to investing a bit more on something more substantial if I get on with the process.
I have looked around ebay and picked up a couple of razors in need of some TLC (and more!!) and am strongly taken with the idea of restoration. Far more interested than I thought I would be to be perfectly honest. The idea of taking something that has become a bit jaded and neglected and restoring to anywhere near a previous glory is extremely appealing to me. I have followed the restoration threads to see the process and seen several videos on the site and Youtube etc by members of this and other sites.
I expect I will be back on many occasions to review advice already provided and maybe ask a question or two of my own so look forward to the interaction in the future.