Thread: Aloha SPR! new member wanting to start wet shaving

Howdy all,

I am new to SRP (lurking for 3 weeks now) but not new to straights or strops, but I have not ever properly used either of them for their intended purpose. My father is a Barber of 46 years and my grandfather before him with 63 years of barbering at his passing. I have been stropped or threatened to be stropped in my youth at the shop many times. The other good one was to be threatened to have my ear cut off when I was misbehaving. You might be asking yourself right about now, I am I a Barber? No I am not I joined the US Army right after high school and have been in the military in one capacity or another for the last 17 1/2 years. I am a Tactical Helicopter Repairer by trade MOS 15T formerly 67T (UH-60 Blackhawks), I currently work as a Technical Inspector/Quality Assurance.

I got tired of getting crappy shaves day after day being military I have to shave damn near everyday, so I am going to give straight razor shaving a try. My father was able to find a razor for me that will hopefully soon be on it's way to gssixgun for restoration. I hope I like wet shaving and I hope my pops finds more razors. I have yet to get any of my other gear yet, but with my razor going in the shop for an overhaul I have a little time to do so.

Here are some poor quality pictures (I am very surprised to be able to post pics on my first post) my dad took with his mobile of my soon to be new to me razor. Any information about this razor, maker, size est., grind, age would be most greatly appreciated.



On one side it says "MADE IN GERMANY FOR VAN BENSCHOTEN HARDWARE Co.", on the other it says "FAULTLESS". Van Benschoten Hardware Co. used to be in business located in Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park NY., that is where the family used to live prior to moving away to Florida. There is a possibility that this razor my have been my grandfathers.

I hope to learn and to be a contributing forum member.

Aloha,

ED/dustoff003
Waianae, HI

What a delightful story! Thank you!

Just about any German-made (probably from Solingen) vintage razor will shave very well.

Enjoy the ride, and ask any questions your father can't answer.

. . . Charles

Just watch that rust in hawaii! Everything rusts quick over there..

Originally Posted by Wintchase

Just watch that rust in hawaii! Everything rusts quick over there..

Not really but I will keep that in mind...

Aloha,

ED

I would mute that square point so it doesn't bite you. It looks like a fine razor and should shave great. Some MAAS metal polish would make those razors sparkle pretty!

Originally Posted by Scookum

I would mute that square point so it doesn't bite you. It looks like a fine razor and should shave great. Some MAAS metal polish would make those razors sparkle pretty!

Thank you kind sir. I shall look in to muting the point, it may cause me to learn faster and to pay better attention though. I am going to have the razor restored by gssixgun, hopefully my dad can get it off in the mail with in the next day or two.

Originally Posted by dustoff003

Thank you kind sir. I shall look in to muting the point, it may cause me to learn faster and to pay better attention though. I am going to have the razor restored by gssixgun, hopefully my dad can get it off in the mail with in the next day or two.

Square points do make you pay attention thats for sure . Since you are just starting there is a lot to learn and think about during your shaves at first, not having to keep constant watch over that tip will make learning a whole lot easier and relatively blood free. Just a friendly suggestion.

If a point is muted is that something that can be undone later next time the blade is honed or is it permanent?

Good news my razor above got mailed off to be restored and my father said he that he had found another for me and some hones! I am so stoked right now. I plan on getting a kit from SRD I was looking at the Dovo Astrale it is has a round point and might be better for me to learn with as mentioned above. Does anyone have any input on the Dovo razor? I hope to get pics of dad's latest find soon.

109 years of barber experience in your family? I predict you're gonna be a natural. Nice razors too BTW.