Hello, everyone,

I wanted to introduce myself and thank you all for this invaluable wealth of knowledge here.

I have just joined SRP a few days ago. I have always been interested in straight razor shaving. Not so much for being manly, but more so for being refined and classic. I also loathe the thought of spending well earned money on disposable products (cartridges, handles, et al).

So I decided to cross over the the light side and become a traditionalist. I recently purchased (after great research, mind you) a Dovo 5/8 Full Hollow razor, some shaving soap, brush, etc, etc. This I found from SRD.

Anyway, I had my first shave today:

Prepped with two hot towels, lather in between and after. Two passes later, WTG and ATG, and I am one happy camper. No cuts, no nicks. Some irritation from a newbie trying his best, but all-in-all a wonderful and satisfying shave.

Before my next shave, I will need to strop, I know. And I have the technique down. However, having a leather strop and a canvas layer, I am looking at a 0.5 micron grit for one side of my canvas. I have read the library and perused the forums for suggestions. This is what I'm looking for to keep up my edge between honings.

Any additional advice you believe I should know for the new guy would be well received.

Thanks in advance,
Michael