Gents,

I picked up my first Straight Razor from SRD about a year ago and began my journey. Since then, I've not quite reached the BBS level, but I've gotten WTG, and ATG over my whole face without slicing myself to ribbons and I know the rest is just practice.

About 2 months in, I also got started honing. I got the Norton 4k/8k and the 220/1k. I also started picking up $10-$20 razors at flea markets and antique stores to practice on. The first trials didn't go well (I'm fairly certain that I over honed trying to set a bevel). I put that aside due to life getting in the way and just recently picked it back up. First try, using the pyramid method this time (originally I was trying circles), and it went very well. I think it passed the TPT and the TNT, and I know it passed the AHT. I was ready to try the shave test but then realized that sterilization was probably something I should look into. I checked the forums and read what people had to say. I did 10min in 70% iso, and then 5min in boiling water, and then another 10min in the alcohol again. This was all after the blade sat in my closet for 4 months, so I felt pretty good about shaving with it. Funny story about what boiling water does to what turned out to be plastic scales.... newbie mistake, I know, but I was hoping that keeping just the blade in the water and holding the scales with tongs would be fine. Now they're a bit bent and the razor no longer falls cleanly into them without scraping the sides. You live, you learn. I'm not really set up for building my own scales (some day perhaps), but I did try shaving with the razor and it was a pretty decent shave.

If anyone has any sterilization tips and tricks I'd love to hear them. I understand it may be wise to avoid direct suggestions due to liability issues, but antidotes and stories would be welcome too. To be honest, after having such an unsuccessful time the first go around, I'm just excited to be able to cut arm hair with this time.