Thread: New member from Brooklyn, NY

Hello, all. My name is Michael. I have been a member of badger & blade for two years. I've stopped by this forum a couple of times and have always been interested in straight razor shaving. I will be purchasing a razor off ebay tonight. I don't know if it will be shave ready so I'll probably have it sent out for honing, polishing, and maybe some new scales if needed. Are there any specific type of razor companies that I should look for? I like the looks of the vintage ones. What about honing and restoring services? Any good members or websites that I should consider using? Any helpful tips are welcomed.

Thanks,

Michael

Welcome Michael,
I will address the easier of your two questions first. I have become a big fan of Lynn Abrams when it comes to honing a razor. Additionally, Glen at Gem Star Customs has done some really fine work for me on new scales. Now, these are only two of many good people on the site that offer honing and restoration services; but I find their work to be of really good quality.

The first question regarding razor companies is a bit more detailed, and I believe requires some research on your end. I would recommend you check the info on this site before you spend your money which could be a few bucks to a few hundred. Ebay offers some good choices, but I am not sure if I would go there for my first razor. Why not consider the Art of Shaving; a retail store located in Roosevelt Field? Classic Shaving, a sponsor of this site offers some good quality razors of varying prices for you to consider. Unless you are able to effectively evaluate the condition of vintage razors, and the requirements for reconditioning, I think one should steer clear of Ebay.
I'm sure other members will offer their respective opinions to your questions. Let me suggest your read and evaluate them all, and then make some decisions; do not jump into anything.
Good Luck and have fun

Hi Michael and welcome to SRP. +1 on Andypic's advice. If you click on the classifieds tab and search the "Member Services" section, you'll find numerous members who offer honing and restoration services. Once you receive your razor, just send a PM to a few of those members and then decide which route to take. I' ve had razors honed by numerous members here and I've been happy with all the results, so I don't think you can go wrong. Post any other questions you have and enjoy.

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I couldn't help myself and I purchased a razor off of ebay. It only cost me a few bucks, well $35 including shipping to be exact. Here is the link to the listing VINTAGE RED IMP 132 WEDGE MADE FOR MORRIS MFG. CO. STRAIGHT RAZOR 5/8 | eBay I will have to have this honed? Correct? And what about strops, are there any beginner ones? I appreciate the replies.

Hi, Michael, and welcome to SRP! I really like the Red Imp you bought. Just for the heck of it I would first try shaving with it, to determine if it needs honing. That's just me.
As far as a strop, head on over to whippeddog.com. Look for the Poor Boy's strop. They get excellent reviews here on SRP, and they're reasonably priced.
See you in the trenches, buddy!

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Hi, Michael, and welcome to SRP! I really like the Red Imp you bought. Just for the heck of it I would first try shaving with it, to determine if it needs honing. That's just me.
As far as a strop, head on over to whippeddog.com. Look for the Poor Boy's strop. They get excellent reviews here on SRP, and they're reasonably priced.
See you in the trenches, buddy!

Thanks! I received the red imp today. It looked sharp to me. I tried it out on my arm hair and not a single hair came off. So I'll send it out to be honed. Hopefully I can get it back quickly as I'm eager to have my first shave with it.