Heres my story (I feel foolish)

First off let me start by saying I'm glad I found this place and the wealth of knowledge shared here. I feel like in everything in life, we should never stop learning and can always learn something new. I know I have a lot of learning ahead of me and I can see this i the right place for that.

So, about a week ago I took my 2 sons to get a haircut at their barber. We start talking and I ask him if he knows where I could get a straight razor, I remember my dad using one when I was a kid and I was always interested, but never took the step to try one. So he says, " Yeah, just go to Sally's and they have them there. You know what, you can have this one, just buy some blades for it". My first mistake was thinking, this guy is a barber, he knows what he's talking about. So I proceed to watch some videos on Youtube and realize they are using straight razors, but think mine is just as good, I just have replace the blades instead of stropping. Then he tells me to go to Walgreens and i can find the "shaving set", for 10 bucks. Off to Walgreen's. I get the Van Der Hagen Shave kit, which I actually think has worked pretty good so far. It lathered up pretty good and left my skin pretty soft.

Anyway, I can see now that's not the best type of razor to use, but are they ok to use for shaving? Or are they mostly used to clean up edges and what not? I fell foolish knowing I've used it to shave the last two times I shaved, lol.

I just today scored a Shumate Dollar on a trade for about $20 trade value. I know its not gonna be perfect, but I don't mind restoring things as I actually enjoy restoring old axes and hatchets. I know straight razors are not the same, but with all the knowledge here on the forum, I think I can do a pretty good job. Now to find someone locally to hone it for me properly and get it shave ready.

Here is a pic of the razor, I hope its salvageable.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/...psfdeead5b.jpg

You did well with that razor, it's in fine shape and will make a nice shaver. There's nothing wrong with shaving with a shavette either…quite a few around here started out that way:) Get that razor honed and give it a go…surely you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Welcome to the Forum.

No need to feel bad, I think most younger barbers don't know the difference between a straight and a shavette, at least that is the way it is around here. That is just a technicality as either will shave you well. Good looking Shumate that honed up should shave you well. Enjoy.

Bob

+1 to the above. Also, I found using a shavette is a good way to learn how to shave, without having to mind about honing, stropping and blade maintenance. There are differences, of course, like the shavette being a little less forgiving and the angle on your face is a bit steeper.

What brand of blades are you using? Some are better than others.

Well, thanks for the words of encouragement fellas and reassuring me that I'm not the only one who has done this.

Laurens, the brand is Personna "Hair Shaper Blades", that should have been an indication, lol. It was a lil intimidating feeling that sharp corner the first time I was trying to shave around my side burns, haha. All in all though, I have to say it wasnt too bad of an experience, but I can't wait to get my Shumate shave ready. I can only imagine how pleasant shaving with that must be.

Welcome to the forum!

Those two razors you got look great! You did well with those!

As you said yourself, get them shave ready, then take your time and enjoy learning everything there is...it's the journey, not the destination, and for me, this has turned out to be a really enjoyable hobby.

And on a practical note, my skin has never looked or felt better, the shaving products, the straight razor, has made a significant difference for the better!

Enjoy!

Personna is a good brand :) If you want, you could also try Astra and the supersharp Feather, they are my two favourites.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

You don't have to feel foolish. I also believed someone who was supposed to know what he was doing. Don't blame the student, blame the teacher :D
I don't think a shavette is a bad thing to own, I new to this as well and learning angles with a shavette withouten a blade seems less bloody to me :p

Welcome again and enjoy the journey in straight shaving :gl:

As said, there's nothing wrong with a shavette. I began with one and learned to straight shave very well, although the first few weeks were rather sanguine at times. Having learned to strop and hone a straight razor since then, I rarely use the shavette now - but it still has the advantage of being useful as a travel razor.

Good luck. :D

Thanks again fellas, I really do feel better now. I guess learning with a shavette is less overwhelming than learning how to strop, maintain, and shave all at once.