Thread: Hello from Phoenix

So I got a razor as a gift. I looked at it and thought "I can do this, no problem". After slicing open both ear lobes I figure I should look for a bit of advice. The razor I have has the markings of Geo Felton, Cutler Scranton, pa (Germany) on one side and Felton's Crystal on the other. No idea about this blade. Is it worth the hassle or should I back away like its radioactive? I always was drawn to trying the straight razor but so far it's been a lot of winging it. Also if anyone in Phoenix knows where I can get it honed that would be huge. Spent most of an hour flipping through this site and then just joined. Any help would be great and I'm willing to help anywhere I can.

Welcome to SRP!!

The first thing you may want to do, if you haven't already, is start reading through the wiki (click here). One thing you've done for certain that is a step in the right direction is asking for local help. Lots of our members here are mentors and would be happy to meet up and show you a few things to get you started off properly. Also, keep an eye out for local group meets as well... they can be a treasure trove of good info and education.

You mentioned that you already have your razor. If you're unsure about whether or not it's honed properly, I would suggest looking in the classified section here under "Member Services". All of the folks there who offer honing service have an established reputation for quality and speedy work.

With that said, since you mentioned you have the razor, what about your strop, brush, etc.? If you don't have a strop, I would suggest getting one ASAP, as it's pretty much essential. Quality ones can be had for a fair price... click some of the sponsor links on here for good quality ones, and if they're a bit out of your price range, look for a Fromm strop on Amazon.com... they run about $40 or so and are a decent quality strop once conditioned (the conditioner is also sold on Amazon). As a matter of fact, it may even be advisable to go with the Fromm strop, as it's almost certain you'll slice and dice your first one while learning to strop correctly.

As for a brush (another essential item... don't use canned shaving cream like Gillette or Barbasol; they're not designed to work with wet shaving), if you don't have one, you can find one at your local drug stores usually (Walgreens, CVS, etc.) or even at Target. The brush isn't top notch quality, but it ain't half bad either, and is certainly enough to get you started. You can usually find some relatively decent soap or cream at the same place you find your brush (Van Der Hagen comes to mind). It won't be anything fancy, but will get the job done at a relatively low cost.

Again, welcome and we are happy to have you here! This community is always very helpful and extremely knowledgeable to boot. Anything you need, just ask.

Welcome, yes it is worth every second you will see. Look in the vendors coner and classifieds for guys in your area for honing. Lynnabrams on youtube type it in and enjoy.

Welcome,

I am also new to this hobby and also from Arizona! I am just south of Tucson. I know that some barber shops will offer honing where I am from. With that said, I would support some of these venders on this site as said above they have had great reviews. Also you'll know that the person honing your blade has a passion for it! Best of luck to you while learning this skill! My adventure starts tomorrow.

Welcome to the forum

A lot of good information up above.
Spend some time looking into the stropping it is critical to comfort and longevity of the honing.
I do not personally know of the manufacturer of that razor, that said almost any vintage blade in good shape will be a very serviceable razor.

I know one thing I'm going to want to do is change the scales. Clear yellow plastic is what it came with.

Welcome aboard! You have gotten some good advice from the previous posters. The only thing I'll add is this: Even though the excitement is there and the anticipation is excruciating, slow down and take your time. Get to really know your face and your beard growth patterns. Take the time to learn about proper beard prep and building a decent lather. Prep and lather alone can make or break a shave. Most of all, though, is to have fun and enjoy the ride.

Welcome to SRP !
Was just in Phoenix latest week. There are good resources in Phoenix. As mentioned, check out the resources previously mentioned. Also check out Rubinov's on 7th street just south of Dunlap. (West side of street). They have quite the selection of classic barbershop products. They have everything needed to get into wet shaving, and best of all they are local for you. Since they sell straights, they may have some resource to do sharpening. They have much more in their store than they show on their web site. Happy shaving!