Thread: Not wanting to seem like a psycho killer

I carry a small 3" pocket knife, i prefer to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Not gonna fight someone with it, but its handy to have

EDIT:
But yeah gotta have the good pickup lines, that way you can get some hardcore razors. You know your a straight edge collector when you try seduce the local antique dealer for razors, regardless of gender.

I think part of the problem here in the UK is the increase in knife crime we have had over the last few years. It tends to make people nervous when you go and buy something sharp..!

I've had funny looks buying a kitchen knife in Sainsburys. I always say to them "You ever try cutting a tomato with a spoon?"

I also think people have a fear of what they dont know. Not many people are straight razor users, so they are an unknown quantity for a lot of people.

And then there is the whole chav/tracksuit thing...!

I'm going to have to change my opening schtick when I go into antique shops, I found I was getting the strange looks as well. I'll go with line about being a collector, rather than just "Got any razors?"..!

I finally got back to the collector shop with the older gentleman. He is only open a few days a week and not at the same times. I think the first time he didn't hear me, because this time we had a great conversation. Unfortunately, it was hard to keep him on topic sometimes and he misplaced the coin I bought from him.
I did have a good conversation on straights, collecting and his life. I think he enjoyed it more than I did, also I learned of barbers in town that still use straights.
I felt bad for him because I think he has a few more years of coherent thought, though overall it was a good experience.

______________________________
Great acts are made of small deeds.
-Lao Tzu

Originally Posted by keithmoon66

My question is: How do you go into a second hand shop and ask for straight razors without freaking out the owners?

I usually just ask outright ... and when they look nervously at me, I tell them I use them and I am always looking for 'new' ones to try.

Every single shop keep I've approached like this wants to inspect my face, so be warned. hahaha.

Strange reaction, indeed. I could underrstand it if you were closer to White Chapel. Though it was a long time ago.

I also got weird looks the first time I asked. I am younger(24) and have several tattoos. I'm not the typical antique store browser.

After that first time instead of asking for straights I just told them I collected old shaving stuff: brushes, straight razors, safety razors, mugs, etc. Made sure to talk very politely and that got better reactions. I haven't found any straights yet so far though. One shop had a few but they were pakistans. I have bought a couple of DEs, even though I haven't shaved with a DE since I got my straight. Still looking though!!

I usually tell the shop keepers "Hey would you mind holding my wallet, there's a thousand dollars in there,and then again maybe there isn't"

David

Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Originally Posted by kg4ghn

I also got weird looks the first time I asked. I am younger(24) and have several tattoos. I'm not the typical antique store browser.

After that first time instead of asking for straights I just told them I collected old shaving stuff: brushes, straight razors, safety razors, mugs, etc. Made sure to talk very politely and that got better reactions. I haven't found any straights yet so far though. One shop had a few but they were pakistans. I have bought a couple of DEs, even though I haven't shaved with a DE since I got my straight. Still looking though!!

Unfortunately most antique stores in georgia don't have straights. I did find one though. No disrespect but Georgia antique shops are all the same with the same people and their attitudes. Though it may have to do with me being a young women. Good luck in your search though.

Remember, England is the country that thinks making these the only knife allowed in a kitchen will stop people getting stabbed:

safer kitchen knives

I've heard the new Michael Caine movie Harry Brown shows an accurate representation of the typical "street thugs" in England.

I asked about straight razors at three antique store near me, after having to explain to them that straight razor is the proper term for cut-throat razor, they said they didn't have any and to try the other two stores I went to.

One store owner in his 70s even said "you can't shave with them anyway, they are too dangerous". I told him I shaved with one every day, I don't think he believed me though.