I've been shaving with a straight for a little over two months, and here's what I've managed to accumulate:



Ordinarily I'd ask if this was normal, but I've been reading the forums long enough to know I'm in good company. In my defense, I've had the Burt's Bees mug and the brush for several years, a gift from my girlfriend at the time. Oh, and a few of those were purchased at the flea market for honing practice (namely the two meat-choppers in the top right corner and the Henkels blade to the left of them). I've self-imposed a moratorium on all eBay purchases at least until I move to NYC in August. My latest and last (for now) purchase came today, a lovely French shave-ready 5/8 from Manfred Sprengel (danke!). These should tide me over for a while.

I'm at the point where I'm good enough with the blade that my morning shave is a truly pleasant experience. I still have trouble going ATG around the neck, and that area in general seems extra sensitive. Aside from that I'm loving it, and eagerly anticipate my morning shave (usually every other day...being in college and not having a real job has its advantages ).

I've decided that mocha is sort of a weird scent for shaving soap. Fresh Limes, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. And Sandalwood...man...fuhgedaboudit. Perhaps soon I'll move on from classicshaving soaps and try something more exotic. Any suggestions, aside from the obvious British stuff (Trumpers, T&F etc)?