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nconantj
11-18-2008, 08:10 PM
I am working on gathering together supplies for an anticipated start of around Christmas (my gift to myself this year).

I have 2 turn of the century straights that were used by a barber in-trade, which I picked up for $75 on e-bay. One is a Henkels Zillingswerk that seems to have been put away shave-ready. The other is in a box labeled Gottlich Hammesfahr Solingen-Foche, but the blade is imprinted with P.F.FE????E,N.Y. France on one side of the shank and Honeless on the other (though it looks, and feels, like it needs honing).

I have the Edwin Jagger Cream Best Badger Small Shave Brush from Crabtree & Evelyn (which I picked up today).

I don't have soap or a strop yet. For the soap I was going to get some at C&E, but the clerk told me that she had been informed that C&E had discontinued soap and was focusing on creams so I will be checking out a couple local sources for Pre de Provence and Caswell-Massey.

For my strop I'd like something of quality in latigo similar in price to the Travel/Starter strop that is offered at The Well Shaved Gentleman, but not currently available (recently synthetic was available but now out of stock).

The strop and (possible) honing are my only real hold backs and I would much appreciate it if someone in my area (Fairport, NY, USA) was willing to meet with me and at least check out the blades.

I look forward to the pleasures (and pure environmental friendliness) of straight razor shaving.

mdunn
11-18-2008, 09:41 PM
welcome aboard!

SilverToy
11-18-2008, 09:45 PM
Welcome.
Ken

waitasecun
11-18-2008, 10:35 PM
welcome!

SRock
11-18-2008, 11:43 PM
Wow jumping right in to Str8 shaving! You are a brave man! Welcome to the B&B! :euro:

kevtex
11-19-2008, 12:53 AM
Welcome to B&B.

mhd_mad
11-19-2008, 01:29 AM
Hello

futurman
11-19-2008, 02:04 AM
Welcome to B&B!

SMOKE
11-19-2008, 04:49 AM
Welcome!!!! Glad you joined us!

MAK
11-19-2008, 04:52 AM
Welcome

Limey
11-19-2008, 04:52 AM
Welcome!

Were the straights sold to you as "Shave Ready" or are you guessing? You probably ought to have them checked out otherwise your experience could be ruined if they aren't sharp enough.

frank85
11-19-2008, 05:07 AM
Welcome Aboard :biggrin:

OldSaw
11-19-2008, 04:04 PM
Welcome to B&B.

nconantj
11-19-2008, 05:09 PM
SlagleRock: Yup, straight 2 str8. About as green a shave as this greenhorn can get, hopefully without going red.

Limey: It's my own assessment, the seller made no claims to shave worthiness. The Henkels did a good job of taking a patch of hair off my wrist without lubrication or damage to skin. I was really hoping that someone in my area (see original post) would be kind enough to meet with me and evaluate the blades (not necessarily hone, plenty of listings in the thread on honing sources/volunteers).

All: Thanks for the welcome.

jakespoppy
11-20-2008, 11:00 AM
Welcome aboard.

oxcrew
11-22-2008, 11:21 AM
Hope you enjoy the shave and the site for a long time to come.

Mr.Gentleman
11-22-2008, 11:35 AM
Welcome to B&B!!!!

SMOKE
11-23-2008, 01:36 AM
Have you considered a nice DE...
This is what worked for me...I do not claim this to be the "best" route, only the one that worked VERY well for me!!! And, of course, all the great input from our fine members,,,( please see Straight Forum...though I have to imagine you have already been there!! I digress,,,back to my learning approach:

I started with a Gillette Tech and derby blades. I found a pretty good brush from one of the many sites posted. The Tech is not only a very fine shaver, but also a good "Trainer". AND,, you have to really try to nic your self.:wink: I used it exclusively for MANY weeks!

Started with a puck of Conks.

Picked up some Nivea for AS comfort.

I then moved on to the TTO DE's...and found them to be very, very great razors~:cool:

After, and only after, did I move on to Straits!! I got a loaner str8 from one of our fine members, purchased a TM strop,....and all the time I was waiting for my str8 stuff...I read, and read, and read..watched a video, asked a lot of question in the Str8 forum, and then felt comfortable enough to give it a go!!:w00t:

I am happy say I have never so much as nicked myself with the Str8!!!

I am also a dedicated head shaver, using the 39C as my "secret weapon". BUT..curiosty got the best of me...

To date I have used a headblade (yuck IMHO) A few vintage DEs (pretty good results..especially with The 1921 Big Fellow)....A Rolls, the 39c, and a Str8.

My str8 technique still needs some improving, but I am working on that all the time!!!

I have yet to find a razor that can shave my melon as close as the 39C!!!

Stepping back for a minute...I found this "learning" route to be efective in pre preparing one for the str8 shave.

This was just my way of preparing for the st8t...I am certain others will chime in shortly!!!

Regards,

rm71
11-23-2008, 02:23 AM
Welcome.