Another Disciple from Santa Clara, California

[murdoc]

Hi Gang,

Another disciple starting out on this journey.

I am poor and opted for a Joseph and Sons vintage razor from ebay for $15. I am in the process of getting it shave ready - but in the meantime have been happily shaving with a cheap-o disposable blade Parker straight razor.

Looking forward to learning.

Cheers,

[pcg]

Welcome on board! Btw, is the razor by chance a Joseph Rodgers & Sons? If so, good Sheffield steel!

[murdoc]

@PCG - hi again. No, it's a Joseph Smith & Sons (different?). Still Sheffield steel I believe. In fact there's another user here who restored an identical blade, they guessed the date to be the 1800s.

Mine isn't nearly in as bad condition, but could use new scales (something I can live with as a newbie) and definitely needs to be made shave ready.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

[pcg]

Another good maker, indeed. All the Sheffield blades are justifiably good. Good luck on your new adventure.

[ace]

What do you plan to do to make it shave ready?

[zappbrannigan]

As others have said, nearly all vintage Sheffield or Solingen razors in good, usable condition will be able to provide you with great shaves. You scored a good razor, so be happy about that. As a rookie, don't be afraid to go for the vintage razors. Most of mine are vintage and cost me $20 or less, and all do great work. Just keep your eyes open and be patient and you'll find some good stuff for cheap.

[pzak327]

Welcome,
Make sure to get the razor sharpened by someone who knows what they are doing or it could be a blood bath on your face. There are alot of people who can help you on this site. Take it from another newbie

[murdoc]

Hi Ace,

Good question - I just been through a flurry of posts in the stropping and honing forums of SRP.

Honing - I was thinking of sending in my razor to straight razor design, but was going to check our own forums first for fellow members who would hone my blade. It is in ok condition, (ie. no rush etc) but I am sure will need a little extra love and care than a normal hone.

Stropping - while I realize I need a good strop, I actually just bought the Ruprazor Filly as it was recommended for being both cheap and yet serviceable for a beginner like me to massacre.

Technique - I've been reading as much as possible on this forum for advice and think I am ready to take my first steps.

Any advice? I'm all ears.

[zappbrannigan]

I've probably posted this video 10 times now, but hey, I thought it was awesome! Gotta spread the knowledge around.

Watch this shaving tutorial, helped me tons:

Straight Shaving Tutorial v3.0 Part 1 - YouTube

[pcg]

Quote: "it was recommended for being both cheap and yet serviceable for a beginner like me to massacre."

I don't think all beginners mess up their strops. I didn't. I think doing so is an exception. As others have said, it's just a matter of being mindful in the beginning, working up some muscle memory by going slow and thinking about your technique. I started with a nice SRD strop and after some time, it still looks like new!