Thread: Hello from Western New York

Hi all,

Been doing a lot of reading on SRP for the past few weeks. I'm the type that has to completely research a subject to death before taking the plunge. I think I'm ready!

I usually shave with a Gillette Mach 3 (ridiculously expensive cartridges). It does a rather acceptable job on my extremely thick, fast-growing, heavy and corse beard. However, I had a barber give me a straight razor shave a few years ago and I was in total amazement.

If I can get a shave even half as good as the one I remember from the barber, I'll be happy!

I'd like to get started for $200-$250-ish. I've been looking around in the classifieds section and online and I've been reading the razor reviews. But I'm a touch and feel kind of guy. Anyone in the Rochester, NY area know where I might be able to go and see some razors? Anyone have any suggestions for first razors? strops? brushes?

Any help at this point would be VERY much appreciated.

Thanks to all,

Marty

Hey Marty. I just PMed you back, but welcome to the forum. There are a bunch of us here in the WNY area, so there should be no shortage of local help. And, of course, so many more helpful gents on the forum. All you have to do is ask.

Welcome to SRP. Glad to have you join us. SRP is a great place with a lot of information and helpful members.

I spent 16 wonderful years living in a Colonial Saltbox house overlooking the Genesee River about 50 miles south of Rochester from 1967-1983. My wife and I loved the seasons and beauty of Western New York and always enjoyed the Lilac Festival in Rochester and visits to Letchworth State Park. If you haven't eaten at the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth, I highly recommend it.

Good luck on your straight shaving.

Happy Shaving!

Avilam - welcome.

'Can only 2nd the motion to connect w/ local guys. 'Hard to beat face to face time. You have some good guys in your area.

DLB...

Thanks for the welcome.

My wife and I just purchased our first home a year ago here in Springwater. We are about 40 miles south of Rochester; so it seems we are fairly close perhaps to where you used to live. It really is a beautiful area.

Thank you again for the kind welcome...nice to know there are still "gents" out there :-)

Welcome! Half of my family is from Buffalo. With the amount you plan on spending you should be able to get a great set of starting equipment.

Thanks TheZ

I used to live in Frederick, MD and worked in the DC area...got sick of the traffic and moved back to WNY. So much more peaceful up here. And it seems that there are quite a few straight users here too.. :-)

Welcome to SRP "avilam"/Marty. So...if you have been reading all the great info to be found here, then you probably should be familar with whom Lynn is and a side project of his called StraightRazorDesigns. I only mention this because based on your figures for getting started, I don't think you can go wrong with some of the starter kits from SRD that include the all important shave ready razor, honed by Lynn himself, and a great strop, plus they have a whole bunch of other stuff that you will feel like a kid in a candy store. The learning curve for shaving with a straight razor is a tad steep so patience is a virtue and if you're willing to endure the time and practice required, which may take a few weeks or maybe even a few months, you will eventually get the best shaves of your life with a straight razor. Best of luck and keep us posted on which gear you opt for and post any questions you have.

Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

Welcome to SRP "avilam"/Marty. So...if you have been reading all the great info to be found here, then you probably should be familar with whom Lynn is and a side project of his called StraightRazorDesigns. I only mention this because based on your figures for getting started, I don't think you can go wrong with some of the starter kits from SRD that include the all important shave ready razor, honed by Lynn himself, and a great strop, plus they have a whole bunch of other stuff that you will feel like a kid in a candy store...

+1 on the SRD recommendation

My first new razor was Dovo package from SRD. It really helped to get me started on the right path. I now have four razors that were honed by Lynn Abrams and all of them are great shavers. You can't go wrong with SRD. They offer excellent products and great service. It is the first place I look when considering a shaving purchase.