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I am new to straights and have just purchased a new (nos?) Fromm 50 red head. I have shaved only with hot water all my life as creams do not agree with me. Should I expect a problem? Also what are the basics that I need to get started? I appreciate any advice, thanks.
I don't know if it is nos or not. To my understanding Fromm still manufactures today. I checked out madaspenhome, run by a member here and he has some vintage ones that you speak of. Maybe compare it to those.
As for basics, everyone will tell you to check out the wiki. Everything you will need to know is there, on the toolbar at the top of the page. Only advice I have is to do your homework before you make any purchases. Not that what you have already bought is bad or anything.....
welcome to SRP!
You will almost definitely need a soap or cream of some kind, plus a brush to apply it with - soap helps the razor glide over your skin. If it catches or sticks to skin that is only wetted, you run a much higher chance of getting cut. Don't bother with canned goop, buy a proper cream or soap puck - they offer more glide, are usually cheaper and last longer, and come in a massive and incredibly varied range, so you can find one that suits you best.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try Kell's soap (specially formulated for those with sensitive skin), or Mitchell's Wool Fat (full of lanolin and unscented, so will nourish and hopefully not irritate your skin) - both are good for those who are cursed with sensitive skin. A good aftershave balm will also help reduce the pain and irritation from having sensitive skin. Good online vendors should have both.
However, if you want to try some soaps and creams before you accidentally spend money on one that burns your face just from smelling the jar, then a sampler is the way to go. A lot of small soap makers offer these, including The Gentlemans Quarter and Mama Bear's. However, I would recommend The Shave Den - they sell cheap (~$1, IIRC) samples of almost every major soap brand known to wet shavers, so you can try them out before making your choice. They also sell small samples of their own aftershave balms, creams and soap, all available in a multitude of scents (for sensitive skin, try to avoid any made using fragrance oil - see their list of scent descriptions to find out which soap scents that includes). To find the sites, just google the names I've given you.
You'll also need a strop and a styptic pencil, in order to keep the razor sharp, and to stop the bleeding when that nice sharp razor nicks you (it happens to every person at some point). Like flampen said, read the wiki - it'll teach you how to strop, how to learn to shave, how to make lather, and how to care for your gear, as well as what to buy and not to buy (do NOT buy anything from Zeepk, you might as well just burn your money). Welcome to straight shaving, enjoy your journey.
Oh, and you'll probably want to get that Fromm professionally sharpened before you use it, since it likely won't come shave-ready (unless you bought it from a reputable online vendor or from the SRP classifieds - where did you buy it from? Can we see pics?). Check out the classifieds section under "services".
I envy you! I have been hunting one of those since times of yore!
The old Fromm razors are nice shavers. They hone up easily and over all are pretty good. The new ones or current model, in my opinion, are not anywhere near as good and I am being nice.
Lynn
i agree 100% butQuote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
i will not be nice sorry. new ones are worthless. will not take edge and brake down very easily