Hi all, Sunday's face feast was as follows:
8/8 Westenton & Son Stub tail
Cella, Col. Conk, VDH shavings all whipped up together
24mm Whipped dog pure badger
Old Spice
Cuba Gold
Today's tale is one of Friendship. My buddy John scored a few razors doing the antique store route this week. Exchanging emails about his finds led to discovering that some of his scores were quite valuable razors. We discussed some restoration techniques and what I had been doing with some of my ebay saves. I mentioned that I was going to ask for a band sander for my upcoming birthday. John asked what sander I had in mind. I pointed out the tool I was setting my sites on, one that uses 1" x 30" bands as they are inexpensive and come in a huge variety of grits.
So this afternoon early, my dogs alerted me to the fact that we had a visitor, and who should it be but my friend John and his lovely wife. Now for a mental picture.. I had just finished shaving minutes before (the above mentioned shave) and my wife was still lazing around the house in her nightclothes, being as Sunday is her lazy day. As soon as we realized that there were visitors arriving, the mad scramble on my wifes part began. She instantly disappeared into the nether regions of the house, leaving me to greet our guests. After a super fast shower, and a healthy dosing with perfumes and powders, she re-appeared to participate,, :)
First thing apparent was John was hauling his razor bag and a big box in his arms. As I greeted them, I realized he was carrying a new-in-the-box band sander. Astonished I opened the door for them and got them into the house. Here was the deal:
John told me he worked on the barter system, and if I would restore 2 razors for him, he would call it even for the band sander. (Included in the deal were 2 additional grits of bands, 80 & 120 grit). Out came the razor bag, and what should be there but three razors needing restoration and scales. I examined each one as they came out of the bag, and to my suprise, there was a Wester Bro's, a DD GoldEdge and an unusual 7/8" Columbia Cutlery in some very ornate scales. All were in 'fair' condition, but the DD was sans scales completely and boasting a slight frown.
I asked what was with 3 razors, when he only asked for 2 restores? He responded that the Wester Bro's was for me to keep. We had been discussing that razor for the better part of 6 months, and it is a little small for his tastes, so he was giving it to me as a gift as well.
Needless to say, jaw dropped and all, I was hard put to find adequate words to thank him for his generosity. After stammering for a bit, and then getting the story behind his finds, I gratefully accepted his offer, and will begin restoring his razors for him tomorrow.
What would life be without our Friends??? I am very blessed to have several, several I have never met face to face too!! (one being my razor buddy Roy). Just when I was starting to feel at my lowest, having been unemployed for some time now, this was quite the boost to my attitude. I just hope I can deliver and give him back something worth his money and effort. I realize that none of these things can truly repay his friendship, but giving something back and showing you are a friend is worth more than any money or items can ever be.
Just had to share that story with my razor buddies. What a guy, eh??
Enjoy the upcoming week brothers!!
M