Nice visit to SRD/Imperial Shaving
My wife and I spent Thanksgiving in Virginia. Our trip from the Chicago area took us along the Ohio TPK just south of Cleveland, so we made a short detour to the SRD/Imperial Shaving shop in Medina, OH. The shop is located in the center of town, but it was a little difficult to find as it occupies the basement level of a building with several other tenants. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you stop by for a visit.
Don, the proprietor, was very friendly and knowledgeable. Although there are displays of nearly every shaving supply imaginable, there are no straight razors on display. Since the shop at basement level, high humidity could affect the razor blades and scales. However, I had already researched the SRD website and picked out a couple of razors I wanted to purchase to satisfy my RAD. My first choice was the Boker 6/8" silver steel, but it was out of stock. Don unwrapped a Ralf Aust 6/8 Spanish Point with African Blackwood scales. I was awed by the craftsmanship of that razor so it was quickly acquired. I was also interested in a Dovo Bismark, so I asked to see an ivory scale version to contrast with the blackwood on the RA. Although the blade on the razor was very nice, I was not impressed with the faux ivory scales. Thus, I asked to see the more expensive ebony scale version. That razor met my expectations for craftsmanship, so that ended up in my possession as well. Although I had to pay Ohio sales tax, the prices Don charged were identical to those on the SRD web site. The sales tax was a small price to pay for Don's individual attention.
Unfortunately, since my wife and I had been driving for nearly eight hours, I was too tired to browse all the other items that I could have collected for my shave den. I did pick up some pressed felt stropping material to appease my strop acquisition disorder. Other items of interest will have to be ordered later from the web site.
The next day, I received an email from SRD indicating that their shipment of Boker razors had arrived. I was afraid that if i waited too long to place my order, they might sell out of the silver steel as it is their most popular Boker razor. So my Paypal account soon authorized payment of a 6/8" Boker Silver Steel extra hollow with faux tortoise scales. It should arrive about the time I get home from my trip.
The straight razors will be presents from my wife for Christmas and for our wedding anniversary on Dec. 30, so it will be a few weeks before I get to shave with them. Patience is not my long suit. At that time I will come back to report my experiences with each of them.
Although I do not anticipate purchasing other new razors any time soon, there are a couple of others I hope to add to my collection sometime in the future. I have my eye on the Thiers Izzard Bison Red Stamina. I would also like to try my hand at a near wedge blade such as the Hart Steel made in USA.
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