Paul from Philadelphia Spreading some Brotherly Love

Hello all!

I am new to the site and just wanted to pop in here to make an introduction.

Quick Info about myself:

24 year old male named Paul
Lived in Philadelphia almost my whole life
born in Rhode Island
I like to play the drums, drive and work on cars, and of course shave with my straightblade

I'm going to be going over your page to familiarize myself with the layout and hopefully be able to snag a few shaving tips that will help me in my everyday ritual.

I also am looking to buy a new razor too and am very curious as to which straightblades are most recommended buy all of you.

Thanks and all the best,
Paul

Welcome to SRP Paul. There is a lot of information to be found here, so make some coffee and get comfortable and just start reading. Post questions as they arise if you don't find an answer. As for buying a new razor, can you be alittle more specific, new to you (ie used) or brand spanking new? There are lots of great razors brands out there, some well known and some sleepers. My advice would be to click on the Library tab and look at the list of Razors to avoid to help you in your decision, stay away for these brands. The key is to buy a "shave ready" razor, if you find one you like, that is not shave ready, be sure to send it to someone who knows how to hone razors. You can find members here who offer honing in the classifieds here under Member Services. Hope this helps.

Welcome as well, Paul. You might have a Philly Cheese Steak with that coffee. I'd recommending reading some first then buying later.

Welcome and have fun!

Can't go wrong with an old straight that's been restored. Usually less expensive than a brand new razor and there's something satisfying about shaving with a blade that was forged decades, if not a century, before you were born. All the old US, German or French blades are going to be a very good quality. Find a barber supply/knife store in your town and give one a try...after reading all the beginner's advice here. Take it slow!

Then prepare to get addicted to this stuff!

Welcome PMW
I'm a fairly new member to the S.R.P. community as well, and also a Philly boy. I think ace said it best research is you greatest ally. And I found you wont find a better place to learn or a better bunch of teachers then the membership here.
And have fun too.

Welcome Paul!
I grew up in Philadelphia too, actually suburban Philly in Springfield Twp., Montgomery County. I lived in Oreland and Flourtown, PA and frequently visited Chestnut Hill and the Reading Market downtown. I miss that area. I was born in '48 and now live 20 miles south of Memphis, TN having just gotten a new job here in MS. So I will be visiting Graceland soon. I lived the past 10 years in KY. I had an early experience in my teens with a SR and computers weren't available so there were very few resources for help. When I chipped the blade, I put it down until now. I am new to this too having started seriously shaving with an SR in July. I use a DE also when I am in a hurry. I wish you the best with SR shaving. This is a great website and everyone is very helpful! There are some good videos on shaving technique. Check out Wiki here. I have a DOVO 5/8" Forestal which works fine for me. I hope to acquire others and learn honing too. I am a big fan of Ogallala Bay Rum. Also, I have found that Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E works fine and better than Nivia Balm. It has glycerin and has a healing effect. I have reached the point where I don't experience the irritation on my neck that I did when I first started.
Let me know how you are doing and what part of Philly you live in. I miss the cheese steaks and hoagies. That area has a lot of history associated with it and it is a great place to live.
Best Luck,
Phil

hello and welcome