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hi

In regards to the edges we influence upon str8s...

First, I hate the term used here for 'certification' of those using hones; can't even bring myself to type it. Real certification, such as when letters follow a person's name denoting their profession, involves accredited groups setting standards and neutral groups evaluating tests of newcomers seeking to join such groups. None of that's going on here, it is a kangaroo court. The term I won't use is as silly to me as is obsessing over whom is the greatest at this post-new-razor honing; spend enough of your time thinking of such things and you'll no longer be getting 'lost in the shave', which is that difficult to define feeling I experience during use of the straight razor which compels me to keep on using straight razors rather than the much easier safety razors.

My aim in honing your razor is to deliver something quite good, but far more importantly, hopefully something you can achieve again. I personally don't prefer an edge that's the absolute epitome of sharpness (think Feather's straight razor); it is scary for me to use, and on a 'real' straight I feel bringing the edge to such a level only results in too quick a deterioration from an absolutely brilliant shave to an uncomfortable one. I'd rather give you something plenty sharp, smooth, and hopefully durable.

Even if someone were able to be certified as the world's greatest honer (impossible given that this is subjective), I don't want to become someone you rely upon to keep your razor sharp. You should learn how to do it for yourself. In my opinion, it certainly isn't as difficult as some would have you believe. I don't have very steady hands and managed just fine. You don't need thousands of attempts for success, either. But within a few weeks of trying daily, I went from producing unacceptable edges to ones that I could not distinguish from the edge produced by someone often revered here for their honing capacity, this on the same exact razor.

You only need a tool and the ability to understand what's happening under your hands as you hone to learn, and the best way to acquire that ability is to give it a go for yourself.

We aim to always give an edge that leaves you enough time to learn the straight razor and then, after some frustration trying yourself and talking in forums such as this and trying again, to achieve such an edge upon the razor once again. Thereafter, if it is pleasing to you, then you can spend the rest of your life splicing the film of perfection ad infinitum...yet another thing to 'get lost in' :)
 
I've made nearly all my purchases of new items (as opposed to used straights) from Jarrod since getting into this heavily a couple months ago, which I guess is my testament to his service and pricing. Probably 8 separate orders or so. I have had to return one item, but it was absolutely a manufacturer defect, and it was processed promptly and politely.

I've purchased two straights from TSS, one used, one new, and had Jarrod hone both. The edges were excellent on both--on par with the best I've received from elsewhere, and certainly better than the average "shave ready".

I'd be disappointed with a dirt/grease mark on a new razor, but I'd wipe it off and quickly forget about it if that's all it was. I don't expect retailers to examine each and every item they sell prior to shipping, especially when they're among the most competitive price-wise.

And what I appreciate most about TSS is not just the great service and great prices, but fantastic communication about the pros/cons of all the options I've considered. Jarrod has always taken the time to clue me in, regardless of whether it was relevant to a sale. In fact, lately he seems to be telling me to hold off on purchasing a coticule until I've got more experience with my synthetics. This may be one instance where I ignore his advice.

Jack
 

ouch

Stjynnkii membörd dummpsjterd
When considering the "H" word, never forget the immortal words of our very own mparker762:

Q: Exactly, what is a honemeister?

A: A guy with a hone and an ego.
 
+1 from me for an excellent experience dealing with Jarrod from TSS.

Not just that he has immediately taken some time for conversation, 16 minutes (in words SIXTEEN) after paypal confirmation that money was transferred I got an email with USPS-tracking number for the package! :thumbup:
So I havn't been very surprised that the package arrived already today. Amazing!
Not necessary to mention that razor was in perfect shape and ultra-sharpened. :shaving:

Thank you so much
René
 
Provided guidance to me prior to even finding this site or purchasing anything. Will do business with again.
 
Jarrod is an awesome guy.

His site may look a bit amateurish at first, but its very practical. All orders sent in no time. Safe and quick. And its one of the best sites for international buyers like me with those nice shipping rates. You don't have to pay a stupid standart 8-10 dollars for just a cream or few blades.

Absolutely my favourite vendor.
 
Hi Guys,

Some time ago I ordered a Merkur Futur chrome 4-piece set from Jarrod at The Superior Shave. Now this item is a few hundred dollars and living in Australia is some distance away and such purchases are not without a little bit of worry on my part. It's not as if you can just jump in the car and have a little chat with the bloke and the expense of international calls are prohibitive. So you might say that making a new purchase overseas with someone for the first time comes with a little apprehension.

However, the experience dealing with Jarrod was a pleasant one and was conducted as you would expect even with a customer many thousand of kilometres (miles) away. He is an excellent communicator and the goods were delivered without delay. I would recommend his service to everybody.

Regards,
BarrysCool.

ɹǝpun-uʍop puɐl ʇɐǝɹƃ ǝɥʇ ɯoɹɟ ˙looɔsʎɹɹɐq
 
Hi Guys,

... It's not as if you can just jump in the car and have a little chat with the bloke and the expense of international calls are prohibitive...

Regards,
BarrysCool.

ɹǝpun-uʍop puɐl ʇɐǝɹƃ ǝɥʇ ɯoɹɟ ˙looɔsʎɹɹɐq

I'm just learning to use skyp but he is on there which may help. Hope you have many pleasant shaves.
 
I'm just learning to use skyp but he is on there which may help. Hope you have many pleasant shaves.
Interesting, but no camera on my computer. I think that's a requirement is it not?

Regards,
BarrysCool.

ɹǝpun-uʍop puɐl ʇɐǝɹƃ ǝɥʇ ɯoɹɟ ˙looɔsʎɹɹɐq
 
Interesting, but no camera on my computer. I think that's a requirement is it not?

Regards,
BarrysCool.

ɹǝpun-uʍop puɐl ʇɐǝɹƃ ǝɥʇ ɯoɹɟ ˙looɔsʎɹɹɐq

Only if you want to be seen. A microphone is all you need.
 
Agreed, have same experience when ordering for delivery to Taiwan. Great advice, replies fast on e-mail questions (and patiently) as well as fast shipping!


Hi Guys,

Some time ago I ordered a Merkur Futur chrome 4-piece set from Jarrod at The Superior Shave. Now this item is a few hundred dollars and living in Australia is some distance away and such purchases are not without a little bit of worry on my part. It's not as if you can just jump in the car and have a little chat with the bloke and the expense of international calls are prohibitive. So you might say that making a new purchase overseas with someone for the first time comes with a little apprehension.

However, the experience dealing with Jarrod was a pleasant one and was conducted as you would expect even with a customer many thousand of kilometres (miles) away. He is an excellent communicator and the goods were delivered without delay. I would recommend his service to everybody.

Regards,
BarrysCool.

ɹǝpun-uʍop puɐl ʇɐǝɹƃ ǝɥʇ ɯoɹɟ ˙looɔsʎɹɹɐq
 
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I just bought a Coticule and a Boker Tree Brand from Jarrod at The Superior Shave. I made a mistake with my order and I had an unusual shipping request, but he was very kind with my requests. All emails were informative and were answered promptly. Even after the order was placed and paid for--when most vendors forget about the customer and move on to the next sale--he continued to respond to my questions. I was also glad to shop at a place where the razor was $130 and not $129.99. I have huge amounts of respect for vendors who respect their customers. His website will be the first one I check when I decide to order again.
 
I too, have had nothing but great experiences with Jarrod and Superior Shave. He is all about Customer Service (and the prices are great too). Lots of communication including questions to find out your needs and the expertise to direct you to the best solution for those needs. I am a Sales Manager and have used examples of dealing with Jarrod as training anecdotes for my sales people and customers. If you have not dealt with Superior Shave and Jarrod, give it a try next time you need anything shaving and you will be glad you did.
 
Just got my new Progress and a couple of Vulfix cream samples...very well protected in bubble and shrink wrap! About 2 weeks to Japan (ordinary postage), and with very reasonable shipping fees. The order shipped the same day.

Major kudos to whoever made the decision to put the "internationally-shipped" price right there on the product page. I'm sure it was a huge pain to figure up all the pricing, but it's one of the reasons I ordered from Superior Shave. Too many other sites require you to put an item into the shopping cart and click to update shipping to find out how much it will actually cost. Simplicity wins.
 
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I'm adding another post to this thread because I ordered a Dovo Best Quality 6/8 straight razor a few weeks ago and received it within 5 working days very safely packed and definitely shave ready (Jarrod puts a very nice edge on the razors he hones). I love the fact that the price listed on the web includes shipping and they are quick to respond to any emails. Great vendor that I'm sure I will use a third time...whenever that might be :-D
 
This thread has given me the confidence to talk to Jarrod this weekend about a Simpsons Keyhole. I love the big pictures on his site of each individual brush.
 
Has anyone bought one of TSS's house brand brushes? I'm teetering on the edge of buying one, just trying to determine which handle type I want. Cant find any reviews so I dont know what to compare it to.
 
Have not contributed since been a member but I had to make a comment about the Superior Shave and Jarrod. First rate service and I just purchased a new Simpson Chubby 3 at a price that I found no where else. Best of all he's in my neighborhood, which I didn't know. Very good people.
 
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