Thread: New Obsession

I am the kind of guy who generally dives into things head first, and this is no exception. I received my kit from Tony Miller over the weekend, and I am already hooked. I have had three shaves with it so far, and though I have obviously cut my self a fair amount, I have become just as thorough as I was with my safety. Though it takes me about 4 times as long to get there haha. The hardest places for me are my chin and just under it. I am only 21 and still have a small amount of acne, so that can also get tricky as well. Still, I wouldn't go back to my safety razor, this just has so much more character.

I fear I may end up like Lynn with all his various razors and creams and such, though my bathroom certainly isn't big enough right now. I have already ordered an Edwin Jagger Super Badger Brush from C&E after doing a few hours worth of research on the different types and brands of brushes. I didn't want to spend a huge amount on my first badger brush, but I also wanted something better than pure badger. This brush seemed to fit the bill in size, price, and quality. I may have spent too much for my first brush, but we shall see.

I also ordered some of their sandalwood shaving soap. I love the smell of the William's shaving soap included in Tony's kit, but it seems to be drying my face out, I guess I have more sensitive skin. I am going to try some different soaps and eventually creams to see what I like best. I also ordered some from Mama Bear which I am excited to try when they get in. I ordered the sandalwood, vanilla cream, and english leather soaps. If there are any other suggestions I would love to hear them, though I know soap choice is more of a personal preference sort of deal.

I am pretty happy with the Dovo 5/8" razor that was included in Tony's kit, as it was the major selling point for me. Still, I figure that I will end up buying one or two more different razors this year just to try them. Probably another, higher end Dovo and a Thiers-Issard as I have heard that these two brands are the best you can get. I am still a newbie, so will definitely be getting my technique down with the 5/8" Dovo.

I love Tony's strop, though I have very little experience to go on. It seems to work great for me and is just the right width for the razor. I am a big fan of that fact that he hand makes them. My Dad is a carpenter by trade, and I also have an uncle who is a farrier/blacksmith. So, I am a big fan of the handcrafted quality that comes with his strops.

I am also looking into the moss scuttle. I know I am still new, but one of the things that attracted me to wet shaving in the first place was the idea of a hot lather and how good it feels. The scuttle seems to be the way to go to get a good hot lather. They are kind of pricey though. Still, after reading some of the posts here about them, I may just go for it.

So, it is pretty obvious to me that I am hooked. I already have hopes of converting my friends. Once I have got my technique down, I may offer to give them a shave. I know I already have one who is daring enough. This is a long ways off though.

If any of you more experienced guys have any suggestions or tips, I would love to hear them. I am planning on logging in for the Tuesday night newbie chat.

I don't have any advice, just wanted to say Hi and Welcome!

Hello there. I found that most of the advertised "dangers" of using a straight razor to be unfounded. You've mentioned that you cut yourself a few times --I think this will improve. I've been shaving with a straight for about 2 months now and have only nicked myself twice. This is less than when I used a cartridge razor. It really becomes enjoyable when you start to figure out all the correct angles of the blade and how to handle those difficult parts. Also, even if you're a self controlled less is more type like myself , I don't see how you will be able to withstand the urges to pick up more gear , soaps, and the like --just let it swallow you whole.

Justin

Sounds like you do have it bad. The dangerous thing here is that this addiction is totally legal and not much cheaper than some of the illegal ones . Soap, Creams, Brushes, Razor's, Scuttle's, Pre shave, After Shave. STOP! , STOP the madness
Welcome
Donald

Yeah, I could tell after I started that the "danger" was really a lot of hype. I wish I could say I only nicked my self twice and I have only been using it for 4 days now haha.

Originally Posted by Kentriv

Yeah, I could tell after I started that the "danger" was really a lot of hype. I wish I could say I only nicked my self twice and I have only been using it for 4 days now haha.

Yeah -- I'm not saying to get sloppy --but there have been times I thought for sure I should have cut myself and didn't. It's fairly forgiving for an exposed piece of surgically sharp steel ---but always respect it or we'll be calling you "stumpy."


Justin

Don't worry - as my old school teacher used to say, the best way to learn is through [intense] pain (and he practiced what he preached!). Every nick and cut brings new experience and pretty soon your shaves will be all good. My best advice is to go slow and try to be smooth...

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Don't worry - as my old school teacher used to say, the best way to learn is through [intense] pain (and he practiced what he preached!). Every nick and cut brings new experience and pretty soon your shaves will be all good. My best advice is to go slow and try to be smooth...

James.

And if you nick yourself good enough , a scar and a memory to go with it--makes for good stories. Hell of a teacher, James ----a happen to agree to a certain extent. Baptism by fire.

Every job I was ever good at included a baptism by fire. Experience and pain are the best teachers, and I expected no different from my straight edge haha.

Just go slow at first, you'll get there, SR shaving is like a fine wine, it takes time. Heck I bet Evan Lynn nicks himself on occasion. (forgive me o great one).