Thread: NEW and ready to shave (HELP!)

Hello! Im 21 and brand new to this subculture. I recently realized that I want to go to barber school so what better way to get a head start than to buy my first straight razor and start wet shaving! I recently came upon a craigslist find and it looks as though the stamp has been worn down to almost nonexistence, but I believe it may be a Joseph Elliot Best Silver Steel, but I could be wrong. I was going to impulse buy it but thought that I would get the opinions of some seasoned gentlemen before I pull the trigger. Its only 20$, so I wont be bummed if its not a great find, but it definitely fits my aesthetic. I appreciate any and all comments and any advice for a beginner on equipments and novice items. THANKS!

Im thinking you are correct, in thinking its a Elliot. Blade looks good. Send it out for pro honing.

Welcome aboard,, as Trillium advised send it out,,,

While your waiting,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Straight Razor Place Library:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Library

Welcome mark09: go to the hobbyist forum and find someone to hone your razor to a status of "shave ready" before you attempt to shave.

You can always send it to Lynn, one of the owners of Straight Razor Design for a guaranteed "Shave Ready Edge".

Welcome and I ditto Hirlau's suggestion to go to the Library as a start to your entry into wet shaving, grand style. There are a number of barbers that are members and have amassed quite the collection of vintage razors. Welcome again to our addictive endeavors.

Welcome from the other end of Pennsylvania! How have you been shaving so far? Make sure you've got the other gear for wet shaving before you put a straight on your face; brush & soap/cream.

I'm nine sSR haves in, and still low on the learning curve. It's not easy, but it's not terribly difficult either.

Good advice above.

As for the razor? Agree with the Elliot. It has been reground from its original as issued shape. Not a big deal as it was a common practice "back in the day". The scales are recent additions as well. All this being said, that razor when properly honed and properly taken care of, will shave your grand kids when it comes time for them to shave.

LOTS of good info available here. Learn every thing you can and enjoy.

I appreciate all of the warm welcomes and advice. I have taken a considerable amount of time to read all of the articles present on the site and I am eager to get this razor and begin my endeavors. I will try to get in contact with someone from this site in regards to honing it to a shave ready state. Thank you all so much. If I can find a proper thread I will definitely post a 'before/after' pic of the razor!