Thread: Hello from Ohio

Hello everyone on SRP! My name is Matthew and I'm from Ohio. I have not had my first shave with a straight razor yet due to the start-up costs. Currently i have purchased a J.R. Torrey 'Extra Hollow Ground' razor and a Shumate No. 30. Both were in need of a little restoration, mostly just polishing of the blade and cleaning the scales.

This is my J.R. Torrey Razor.


This is my Shumate No. 30.


As of right now they are not 'shave-ready'. However, another thread that I found while researching honing and stropping was instructing on the use of 3M Abrasive Film - PSA - 15, 5 and 3 micron sheets using the honing pyramid, I think that might be a cost effective solution to a 'shave-ready' razor.

This forum has been invaluable so far, everyone that I have read comments, posts, tutorials and even the moderators seem to be very polite and eager to help. I look forward to many conversations with members in my quest for the perfect shave. Thank you!

Welcome!!

Enjoy the place. Looks like a couple of very nice razors. You should like shaving with both once you get past your learning curve.

Have fun.

Welcome to SRP, Matthew!

Welcome Matt,

If your razors didn't come "Shave Ready" make sure you send them off to one of the fine vendors on this site before you try hacking some of your whiskers off your tender face. Trust me, you will be glad you did.

Read much, and ask lots of questions. Tons of helpful folks on this site.

Start up costs really are a bit high when you start aren't they! Especially if you cut up your strop like uh... some of us have been known to do (not naming names or anything ).

I'll say this though. Once you are all set up, the costs are really low! The soaps and creams last forever, as do good brushes and strops. And your stone and razors should literally last forever. Your desire for more though... LOL well that might get expensive. We call those AD's around here - short for acquisition disorders. You may or may not be afflicted by one or two.

Try to buy the best quality stuff you can I say - but know you can get "cheap" anything if you want to dive in. Heck, you can strop with newspaper if you want!! But it doesn't quite give you that luxurious feel that straight shaving can give so well. The classifieds here are a good resource as well.

Anyway - welcome! Great looking blades!

While searching the web for the best products and procedures I found This website, is anyone familiar with this site? If so, should I trust them and send my razor?

Aren't they out in Europe someplace? Yes, I know the site and I think they are reputable, but I have never used them before. Moreover, I don't know how long it takes to get your blade back. Plus how much is shipping if they are in Europe? Seriously I don't know.

The only thing with that is if they are far and you can only home one blade at a time - that kind of bites. I would say find a dude as "local" as possible. There are allot of guys here who hone in the member services. Go to the classifieds then member services. If it's the Coti Edge that you are looking for ask them if they can put one on for you.

Another alternative would be to find some guys on this site that you are in driving distance that hone and would be willing to help out.

All the best of luck!

Where you at in Ohio. I will be in Youngstown early November. I hone my own and would be happy to do a sit down with ya. I wasnt planning to bring my hones but it can be easily arranged.

I'm in Piqua, I think that's about 4 hours away. I do appreciate the offer, that's really nice of you. I just got a hone that I won off eBay ... it's 'Our Very Best' HSB & Co. Haven't used it yet, it seems good. The stone is very smooth and looks flat, the opposite side is a horse hide strop that has some wear but looks in good condition. I'll try it out and give an update. Ty again, however I don't think it would be feasible to stop by.

Welcome to SRP

I see that your near both Daton Ohio and Springfield Ohio. I did a search of the SRP Member database and found the following members in those cities. Maybe you could drop them an email or PM and get together. It would help shorten your learning curve a lot.

Here are the names.....

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/bthr22.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...iefoxtrot.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/emtpirate.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/mcgyver1.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...eterrible.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/bsolomon.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/economica.html

and 102 names with a location of "Ohio" in the location field of their profile

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order=

You really do need to have that razor honed first and did anyone mention the need for a strop?

Hope this helps,