Thread: 14 months -- still a beginner! Sorry for post length

For all those who check the beginners part of SRP, I thought I'd give a quick 14 month update on all aspects of my SR "love cruise".

Last June I bought my first 21st century SR from SRD, a R. Aust 5/8. I had a Hoffritz 5/8 I had bought in the 1980s but used only for a month or two before trying to shave with it (with no internet resources to help) at 6 am every morning before work.

I followed the usual RAD, SAD and Strop experimentation disorder (SED) and along the way have bought 4 additional SRs, been gifted one from a very generous SRP member, bought 3 strops, an unknown numbers of soaps, 4 DE razors and enough DE blades to last until I die. Oh and I've sneaked into HAD, by first buying a Naniwa SS 12k for touch ups (along with a DMT 325 to lap it), then a 3 line Swaty, and now Naniwa 5k and 8k Superstones. I'm skipping over the oils, stand, boxes, paste, sprays, scents, etc. In case my computer is hacked by SWMBO I refuse to put a $$ figure on my acquisitions, except to say it's less than I've spent on pistols and ammo.

The update is, (listed one step at a time in sequence of victory) I can now: strop without doing harm, build a damn fine lather, and shave my entire face 9 of 10 tries with at least DF and often BBS results. I continue to finish most shaves by a DE test .... can I hear or feel anything with a DE that I didn't catch with my SR? The answer is usually no...all is well.

I have tried to touch up, but not sure if I actually do any good. I have lighted loupes, but to be honest, i'm not sure what I'm looking at/for. I have 2 razors that while in my 7 day rotation have never gotten their 2d complimentary re-hone by Lynn. One needs it, the other doesn't. On the one that does, I'm going to take it to my hones. If I can pull it off fine, and I'll add that to the victory list....if not Lynn can and will make it right. Thanks to Lynn, Gssixgun and Sharptonn for keeping me in honed edges so far!

I owe thousands of thanks to the members here for helping me along the way...some actively; some just by posting. I have yet to meet any of you in person, but that is part of my plan for the next 10 months...I will make it to a local mentor or meet!

Anyway, I wanted to post this to let all the newbies and not so newbies know that this is not a race, and it takes time and practice. I know now that I will still be learning things about SR shaving 20 years from now (although I may not be aware enough by then to know it). For you guys, each and every one...hang in, keep at it...

Man, IT IS FUN!!! Thanks!

Fairly new myself there's good days and bad days but love shaving SR won't go back.

Haroldg48 I commend you for a fine post and a sane and logical approach to the nearest thing sane men have to madness - involvement with sharp objects. Looking forward to your next update.

I started in the middle of april. My shaves are probably nowhere near as refined as yours from the sounds of it.I seemed to have reached a plateau where my closeness is mediocre but don't draw blood EVERY time. My blades have been sharpened by pro's and I have managed to maintain them. Your hones are the same as mine except I have a few more. (With no experience with any except the Nani 12k attempting to touch up.) I appreciate your post as I still have much to learn