Thread: Hello from Monterrey, Mexico

I stumbled upon this site last week when I started looking to buy a straight razor. Even though I haven't bought a razor yet, and I'm just beginning to read the Wiki, I can already tell that this is THE place to come for information and great advice. Nowadays it's rare to find such a comprehensive website on any one topic in particular, so first of all congratulations to all the member for creating such an impressive place.

Now on to my introduction... my interest in str8s started a couple months ago when I lost my Fusion handle and didn't see the point in replacing it, instead I decided to use my old Mach3 handle for a while. I keep a full beard and usually only shave my cheeks and neck, but over the years I have grown disappointed with safety razors because I kept getting PFB on my neck and "one o'clock shadows". I also don't like the idea of paying a lot (I live in Mexico, pretty much double price on all cartridges vs. US) for something that I throw away every couple weeks. On the other hand, the idea of maintaining a timeless piece that can endure several generations has a particular allure that resonates with me (as a side note, I'm also getting into smoking pipes). Thus, with my birthday approaching, I'm thinking of getting myself all I need to convert once and for all to str8s and keep my safety razor as a backup only.

Since I live in Mexico I'm having a hard time finding good str8s locally, so far I can only find cheap imports with replaceable blades and they don't look like anything that I would bring close to my face. So I'm thinking of buying a full kit from the Classifieds or SRD as soon as I get through the Wiki and the tips for buying the first razor. So far I've found this 5/8 H.Boker & Co. that seems interesting, but I don't think I know enough to go ahead and get it. If anyone has any suggestions, apart from what's on the Wiki, on a good newbie's razor from the Classifieds or other sites I would love to hear from you. What do you think of the SRD monthly specials?

I hope to learn a lot from these forums, and in time hopefully be able to contribute something to all of you. For now, this is my (very extended) Hello World...

Welcome to SRP! I am no stranger to Monterrey NL, since my wife's family lives there. I have enjoyed visiting the city very much, with the exception of the sultry summer heat, and I live in Arizona! The pictured Boker looks like it has minimal hone wear and an even bevel, and of course it's sharpness is guaranteed. The scales have a ding or scratch, but it looks very small. I would contact the vendor and ask if there was a repair to the scale. You can't beat a Boker for a good shave-I have had many and never one that did not hone up to be a good shaver.

Greetings to you. Glad you found the SRP. There is an amazing amount of information to be found here and if you can't find it; just ask and someone should be able to help you.

That Boker looks like it should be a good one.

I noticed that gugi has a razor and strop set for sale in the classifieds. It might be another option for you to consider. I have bought a couple of razors from Ivan (gugi) and have been very satisfied. Drop him a PM and tell him what you are looking for and he will give you an honest answer about his items and if they meet your needs.

Best of luck and enjoy your razor.

Hello JonnyBoy6...Welcome to SRP.

Glad to hear that you have decided to take the plunge and enter the world of str8 razor shaving. That 5/8' Boker sounds nice, but wahtever razor you finally decide on make sure that it is professionally honed before you buy it. As a newcomer to str8 razor shaving, you should also consider getting a razor set that would include, at the very least, the razor and strop. There are other more complete sets that include a brush, soap and brush stand. Doing same may save you some money, rather than purchasing everything a la carte.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

Thanks to everyone for your input and for welcoming me into the site. I will look more into the Boker and also some sets as some of you suggested. Hopefully I'll be able to place an order this week since I can't wait to get started!

Welcome to SRP !

Welcome indeed, you'll find a wealth of useful information and advice here.

~Rich