Hello All,

My name is Shane and I am new to SRP and using a real straight razor. I have used a Fromm with disposable blades for the last two-weeks as I try to hone my technique and while I wait for a few things to come in. I look forward to using a real straight razor. I have recently purchased two vintage razors from eBay. One is a George Woestenholm and Son Pipe razor with a spike point with a few spots of oxidation, but no real deep pitting. The other is a Wade and Buthcer with a round point. The W&B is near pristine condition with only one little spot of oxidation and no pitting; she's my baby! I was speaking to a friend about the razors that I bought, and he informed me that about a decade ago he shaved with a straight razor too. He took a look around in his gun safe and found his old Dubl Duck Wonderedge. He no longer uses it and passed it on to me. It has a considerable amount of oxidation and some pitting, not too deep, but enough to be unsightly. However, the edge is clean, as are the other two as well. After some rubbing compound and 1000 grit emery cloth, the blades are shiny and pretty! I have yet to use them because they are not shave ready and I do not have a hone or a strop yet.
I go to a local barber for my haircuts and received some friendly help from the owner. He has allowed me to order a hone, strop, and rouge from his supplier. He is also going to give me direction as I learn to use the hone and strop by watching over me and make corrections as needed. I am familiar with sharpening a knife, but that is much different than sharpening a straight razor.

Does anyone have any tips for replacing scales? I want to replace the scales on the pipe razor. How about storage? What is the best way to store a straight razor after using it? I live in Corpus Christi, Texas and it is very humid here all of the time. Not an ideal situation for sensitive steel. I thought about buying a cedar cigar box.

I hope I didn't ramble too much.