Thread: How to get the most out of Straight Razor Place

Chaps,

This site has been seeing a steadily growing influx of people interested in the art of straight razor shaving. When SRP's founder, Lynn Abrams, started the Straight Razor Place, his vision was to create the canonical source for everything related to this art. His mission was to gather a community of gentlemen (and recently gentlefolk of the fair sex) who want to further this art. As a mere user, I am thoroughly grateful to the old man, and so should you be. Because without him, there would be no Straight Razor Place (or any of its imitations).

What is The Straight Razor Place?

So what is The Straight Razor place? Having started out as a Yahoo! group (a late 20th century computer thingy that vaguely resembles an online forum, only less), SRP has since grown into the most comprehensive source for all things relating to straight razors, and their use. It sports the most experienced, dedicated, and focussed group of gentlemen in its sector. It also offers a host of informational resources. This article is an attempt at making it easier for you (whether you be a visitor, or a new joiner) to access this treasure trove. So without further ado, let me take you on a digital trip across The Straight Razor Place...

What areas does SRP have?

1. This forum is SRP's core. It is where its members meet and discuss everything relating to straight razors, and things relating to them. As you are reading this article, you have already found the beginners forum. This should be your starting point. Take a moment and introduce yourself here. SRP prides itself of being the most gentlemanly shaving community, and in this spirit, we have joined some of our most experienced members in a user group called Mentors. Should you require personal assistance, they will be pleased to support you in your first steps.
2. Our Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQ") is a document you should read under any circumstances. It contains answers to most of the questions you will find yourself confronted with. Furthermore, it has links and pointers to related and further reading should you require more in depth information about a specific topic.
3. One of the easiest ways to get help when you are stuck is our Chat. It will give you access to a group of people known as The Chat Crazies. We are online most of the time. Sometimes, it will take you a few moments to get an answer as people are away from their keyboards. But you will typically get an answer within less than 15 minutes.
4. When the time has come to get your first equipment, you should spend some quality time with our knowledge base (also known as the Straight Razor Place Wiki). It contains a beginners guide with a shopping list and helpful tips compiled from SRP's forum.
5. Another useful resource when deciding what to buy is our Reviews area. Many of our reviews are expert, rather than consumer, reviews. That means the products have been tested by highly experienced members who are able to put them into a proper perspective, thus giving you access to literally hundreds of years of experience in straight razor shaving.
6. Last, our Classifieds are usually a safe, and good way to shop. In this area, members offer (usually used) items of good quality. You can also find members who will repair, restore, or otherwise enhance your existing straight razors for a reasonable fee. In a similar fashion, our Vendors Corner gives you access to offers by commercial vendors who sometimes offer attractive packages for our members.

Now then. This might seem like quite a bit of material for you. And it is. It has taken this community almost ten years to accumulate this knowledge, and aggregate it for your enjoyment. Because this is what The Straight Razor Place is about: community, sharing, but most of all - fun!

So, have fun, and enjoy your stay!

Regards,
Robin

Nice writeup Robin. I wish this masterpiece existed when I started.

yea me too. I learned the tough way all by myself and I have the scars to prove it.

Very nice Robin.

This should be a sticky.

Lu

Yea, I agree it definitely needs to be a sticky.

Cheers
David

Very nice job Robin...Perhaps this message could become part of the welcome message for every future new member of SRP as well as a sticky.

+1 on the welcome message/sticky proposal. The only thing I disagree with is your referring to Lynn as an old man ...... shucks .... he's younger than I am.

Originally Posted by jhenry

Very nice job Robin...Perhaps this message could become part of the welcome message for every future new member of SRP as well as a sticky.

I think that's a swell idea

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I think that's a swell idea

Nice writeup.

I'd push this even further to say that this would be a prime candidate for PMing straight to newly-registereds, but I have a suspicion that that is just what this was written to.

Well done!

Thanks, this is really helpful for me just starting out!!!