New Straightedge razor

[g_bald]

Hey folks,

I just got my first straightedge razor last night. I loaded a blade into it and did a little testing (wowza is that blade SHARP!!!) - but I figure I might be doing something wrong. If I turn it over the blade falls out immediately. I figure I must be doing something wrong, so I turn to you ladies and gents to figure out what I might be doing wrong.

The instructions were minimal and not at all intuitive. It's "supposed" to have some sort of way to lock the blades in place.

It's a Parker SRW, this one here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ONHBBW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for all advice and help!
-gary-

[warhawk]

@g-bald:  I wish I can help ya.  I'm such a big fan of DE and SE razors for now.  However... our very own Bluebriz (Brian) will be able to answer your question.  He occasionally shaves with a similar SR as you.


WARHAWK

[Bluebriz]

I've used an SR1 which looks similar. 
The top part of the razor has a kind of hinge that clips upwards, then you put the blade (I've never used the sharks, but I assume they're the same as a half DE blade) between the two edges so the blade edge faces downwards.  Then you would clip the top hinge back down to lock it all in place.
I can't seem to link it here, but if you search YouTube for "changing your razor in a Parker SRW shavette" the guy there shows all the steps.
Hope that helps, and let us know how it shaves!

[warhawk]

Hey Gary:  You got some great advice from our very own Bluebriz.  That is what I love about SBGs.  The support and help is endless.

WARHAWK

[g_bald]

Thanks gents!! 

I should have figured YouTube but of course, I figured all the odd stuff I would find (everything seems to end up at some XXX references...go figure LOL).

The blades I have obviously (at least from Bluebriz's explanation) loaded the blade backwards. I didn't see a point where it would come out the other side but otherwise it seems to be exactly how he describes it.

The instructions for loading it are ridiculous, it's the size of a post-it note with hand drawn pictures that don't belay what one should do (especially a nOOb at it like me).

My grandfather used to shave with one years ago (not his head, but...) so I guess the interest runs in the family!

Thanks again guys, I hope when I get home tonight and look at it, I can figure it all out with the help of you excellent guys!

[Bluebriz]

The blade doesn't come out on the other side, it only comes out on one side, so you'll use either the blades like those from Shark or regular DE blades snapped in half.

[g_bald]

I think I figured it out. I pulled it out and looked at it for a minute, then realized how it probably should go, slid it into the holder and snapped the catch closed. I lightly shook it and it did not fall out.

Thanks so much Bluebriz for your insights. You made me *think* and thinking led to learning. And learning will lead to... close shaves!! 

You all ROCK!! Thanks for helping guide me in the right direction!!

[g_bald]

This video
explained most of it (except how the two sides opened). I applied a little engineering reverse thinking and voila the two sides split open and the blade is in !!!!!

Thanks again Bluebriz and Warhawk for you support and guidance! I couldn't have done it without you terrific chaps!

[Bluebriz]

That's the video I found as well!

Glad you've sorted it.

Take care with those shaves, they take a steady hand but give great shaves once you've mastered them!

[greatnessinc]

I have an SR1, I use it sometimes for getting under my nose. Other than that I find using a normal DE to be more practical.
If that's like the SR1 you flip up the top slide the metal parts up then insert a blade (line it up with the pins) close the pieces then lock it by bringing down the piece at the top.

[Blitzed]

That's the video I found as well!

Glad you've sorted it.

Take care with those shaves, they take a steady hand but give great shaves once you've mastered them!

Given that I have MS, buying a Straight Edge was probably one of the stupider things I'll do this year. Of course the year isn't over so it's not possible to declare this the winner. I was able to get a deal on lots of styptic pencils and Amazon has another deal on bulk rate Kleenex or, mans' favourite covering for nicks, toilet paper.

But to my quetion.   You mention "once you've mastered them" assuming the blood bank doesn't cancel your membership, about how long might that be?


T

[Bluebriz]

That's the video I found as well!

Glad you've sorted it.

Take care with those shaves, they take a steady hand but give great shaves once you've mastered them!

Given that I have MS, buying a Straight Edge was probably one of the stupider things I'll do this year. Of course the year isn't over so it's not possible to declare this the winner. I was able to get a deal on lots of styptic pencils and Amazon has another deal on bulk rate Kleenex or, mans' favourite covering for nicks, toilet paper.

But to my quetion.   You mention "once you've mastered them" assuming the blood bank doesn't cancel your membership, about how long might that be?


T

I think within a week I was getting nick-free shaves, but everyone is different.  That was the SR1.
For real straights, the accepted time is around 100 shaves.