Thread: younger member from upstate New York

hello there,
i'm a highschool senior form upstate new york, yanno, the spot that no one knows exists? well, my great grandfather was the town barber, and i took a special interest in his old straight razors a few months ago. Ive read up on the matter, and i think im about ready to take the plunge, buy my first razor, and hopefully learn this lost art before i head off to college in the fall. i need a little bit of help picking out razors, seeing what deals are scams and whatnot since like i said, im on my way to college and dropping $250 on a stright razor doesnt exactly work for me right now. hopefully thats where you guys come in! i appreciate any help i can get, and im looking forward to learning what i can!

Welcome to SRP. Check the classifieds or the vendors here for a shave ready razor, you will also need a strop. Read the links for beginners on the home page and ask any questions you have. Learning to shave and maintain a straight razor will take some time and patience on your part, but if you're willing to learn, you will be rewarded.

Originally Posted by swimmer444

hello there,
i'm a highschool senior form upstate new york, yanno, the spot that no one knows exists? well, my great grandfather was the town barber, and i took a special interest in his old straight razors a few months ago.
....snip....

Welcome.

You may discover that upstate New York is FAMOUS for making fine American razors.

They are tempered a little harder than old English and German razors in part I believe because
upper New York is the home of Carborundum barber hones. With modern man made hones
this is not a problem and becomes and advantage.

Keep your eye out in local shops for a Carborundum 101 barber hone also made in Uppa New York
(less than $30, sometimes less than $20) and a clean razor made in your neck of the woods in the
same price range. Some antique shops... may prove lucky for you.

Keep a notebook of the brands and makes you see and do some homework. You are in the center of
what was once a great American industry. This link may help: Category:Straight Razor Database - Straight Razor Place Wiki

The beginner WiKi Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki
will tell you what you need if you decide to take the plunge.

Since some schools are all "a-bother" about blades start with some nice shave soap and a brush.
A good lather can even make a BiC yellow handled tossable shave like a champ. A tossable,
double edge or an open razor (straight) all demand "good latherin" so start there.

Welcome to SRP swimmer.
take your time read watch videos give yourself a bit of knowledge before taking the plunge. are you going to be wanting to shave more than your face? or will you not be competing in college?

enjoy,
jim

also check out the classifieds and whippeddog.com for beginners sets.

yes, ill be competing but the stright razor is only for my face hahaha throw aways do a fine job for legs and whatnot =p

Originally Posted by swimmer

yes, ill be competing but the straight razor is only for my face hahaha throw aways do a fine job for legs and whatnot =p

legs arms head and face can all be done with a straight although a DE is quicker on arms and legs, although woman do use straights on their legs. the only other thing you need to shave is time then on your laps.
larry at whippeddog is a good place to get a relatively inexpensive starter setup ... the razor may not be real pretty but it will shave you well.

jim

Don't spend $250.00 on a razor. I got my dove for $75.00 and its gorgeous.
Kurt

Vintage Straight Razor | DOVO 506B 6/8 Col Conk Straight Razor with Luxury Shave Set | VintageStraightRazor.com

this is the one i was looking at the other day, ive heard alot of good things about dovo, and it looks like it sets me up pretty nicely considering it includes lifetime honning services. thats something i deff. wouldnt be comfortable doing myself yet. what do you all think?

What part of upstate NY are you from? I'm from Rome. Are you close by?