Thread: I signed up for a class with Shorty in NYC

I signed up to take a class with Shorty, see this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/fa...=shorty&st=cse

I guess I will hold off on buying any razor until I see how this goes. I have been using a DE for a while but I know this is a whole new ball game.

I am still trying to figure out what would be a good starter razor for me. Thoughts?

Originally Posted by larryrazor

I signed up to take a class with Shorty, see this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/fa...=shorty&st=cse

I guess I will hold off on buying any razor until I see how this goes. I have been using a DE for a while but I know this is a whole new ball game.

I am still trying to figure out what would be a good starter razor for me. Thoughts?

Welcome to SRP ! Good luck with the new class at Shorty's. Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving, and Vintage Blades all have new and vintage razors. Our classified section has many for sale. Brands like Dovo, Theirs Issard, and Boker are well respected among the current mfgs. Whatever you get have it sent pre-honed to shave ready.

Check our the Wiki in the tool bar above for much info and the video section in the forum index. You can also get a sense of what members are shaving with in the "show and tell" and "razor clubs" forums also in the forum index.

Very cool; looks like fun.

It appears to be a fun and useful class, but the author seemed to me like a man "spoiled by today’s razors" looking for an old school/macho image on the cheap.
Since you've signed up for the class, I assume you're probably looking for the cheapest entry and looks in a razor are as important as function.
You already got pointed out to the main sources of new and vintage razors. I personally prefer the vintage ones and it appears that a budget that can get you nice new razor will allow for even better vintage one.

Hello,
Here is my followup on Shorty's class. It was a good introduction to working with a straight razor. It never hurts to have a little instruction when learning a skill like this one. Ok, well, it does hurt a little. Yes, there was some blood, but I do not think anybody hurt themselves too much. I nicked myself a couple of times. I am still getting the hang of holding the thing and working with my wrist and taking it slow. I'll probably work slowly on Saturdays for a while until I build up some confidence.

My French in-laws gave me grandpa's old straight razor. The blade says: "Le Talisman" and the shank has a stamp "Peroux Cognet France", along with "Special Pour" and "Barbe Dure" which means the blade is for someone with a hard beard. I have a hard beard, for sure. The blade is in good shape but there is a very small chip in the blade. Shorty mentioned that there was a guy in Texas who could bring it back to shave ready status but he did not know the guy's name. Who can work on it and bring it back to life? I do not think the razor is anything particularly special but I think it is nice enough to start out with, if someone would work out the chip and hone it for me.

What do you think?

Regards,

Larry

Can you give more in depth on how the class was?

Have you got a pic of the blade/chip for us. Check the classifieds for honers.

There are lots of people here who can recondition a blade- check the classifieds for honing or restoration services.

I too would like to hear more about the details of the class.
J.

Here is a picture of the blade. I will provide more information on Shorty's class but I ran tonight and am falling asleep on the computer...

Let me know what you think of the chip...

Thanks,

Larry

Nice razor and congrats on taking the plunge. I have a feeling you will love straight razor shaving. Being able to shave with Grampa's razor is special. If after taking the class you find you want to continue with it I would suggest you get a couple of more razors and get all of them honed by a pro. That way if you have to send one out you still have some to shave with. Here is where you can find SRP members who offer honing services.