Thread: Geneva Cutlery Corp 6/8 full hollow black plastic scales

Howdy all,
I recently got an alright looking Geneva 6/8 full hollow as my first straight. I learned how to shave with a straight years ago from my grandfather but don't recall much of the razor he had other than it didn't seem to flex when I shaved. Granted I've gotten older and hair thickened. Might there a better selection of razor to accommodate my beard that will be 5 oclock shadow by noon after being clean shaven with an overpriced 5 bladed cartridge. I read somewhere that heavier blades "wedge/1/4 hollow" work better with thicker beards. What are your experiences? I have had less than perfect results with the Geneva, is it a "good" razor? I know the razor was sharp, proper honed I'm not sure. I couldnt cut a free standing hair like I've read is a good judge, but when I held both ends bowed the hair and spun it cut without flexing once it touched the blade. I apologize if this doesn't flow well there is a few things going on tonight here and daddy has to fix everything. Thank you for your help. I have enjoyed following the forum for a bit.

Welcome to SRP! Geneva Cutlery straight razors are well make razors and once were the largest manufacturer of straights in the US.

It's great that you have memories of using a straight razor with your Grandfather, many of us don't.

We all like to see pictures, so if you can, post some of your Geneva please.

My best suggestion would be to have the razor professionally honed by someone advertising in the classified section of this site. Also read the WIKI on beard prep and first shaves. I know you have experience but a refresher wouldn't hurt. Having used the 5 blade thingys you may have developed bad habits. Remember to keep the angle of your straight razor 30 degrees from your skin or less. Minimal pressure is best. You are probably using too much pressure. Go with the grain only for a few days at least.

Many people with heavy beards do like wedge types of razors. I think it is a preference not a requirement. This Geneva will do a good job once you get back into the swing and have it honed properly. Later on you can look for a wedge and give that a spin. Look for SRP Meets in your area. Lots of us let others try out our razors.

Enjoy your journey back into straight razors!

Sounds a little like the razor is not quite sharp enough.

There shouldn't be much doubt about the quality of the razor, those are awful sweet. But, if you are interested in something a little heavier, then just watch yourself for signs of early-onset RAD (Razor Acquisition Disorder). It can get pretty bad if you don't watch yourself.

Thanks for the welcome.
Ive been following most of the prep suggestions I found on the forum. Well this morning was a more pleasing shave. I have been using Van Der Hagen cake soap, but this morning I took a dab of the wife's cocobutter and aloe body wash on the brush too.
I'm glad to hear that my Geneva is a quality razor. I bought it on ebay, not a fan of not holding items before purchase, and it had an approx 3/16 chip on the tip. With a bit of creative but gentle grinding I made it into backward french tip. Might fix more traditionally one of these days. I don't doubt that it isn't sharp enough. I honed it with tips from the forum but with the stuff i sharpen my knifes with. I can get them to shave arm hair easily. I will be finding some help in the honing department soon.
Looking at the selection of razors out there I feel I might be at risk for RAD. I might need a support group or something.
I am currently living near Aberdeen, MD does anyone know any shops in the area that sell items to support my budding habit?
Thanks

forgot pics
The first one you can see a stain on the tang and where a sales sticker was on the scale
second pic you can maybe kinda see a stain by the tip if the flash was cooperating.
It still needs some purdy put back on it but that can wait a bit. Was it worth $5?