Thread: 50 Days in

So, I just did the math from when I received my first straight razor to today and figure I have done 50 shaves with a straight razor, give or take 1 or 2.

I feel I've come a LONG way in a relatively short time. I now own the following razors (in order of purchase):

1. Boker Arbolito 5/8 - Purchased new.
2. Geo Wostenholm & Son Extra hollow circa 1850 - 1890 - Purchased from Wolfpack34 in the classifieds here.
3. Worcester 1/2 hollow (guessing) 6/8 circa 1900 - 1930 - Purchased from Wolfpack34 in the classifieds here.
4. Boker Elite 6/8 - Purchased new.
5. Geo Wostenholm & Son full hollow 5/8 circa 1891 - 1910 - Purchased from ebay and honed myself (didn't do half bad. Very shavable).
6. Ralf Aust full hollow 6/8 shoulderless, decorated spine - Purchased new.
7. Geo Wostenholm & Son near wedge (I think) 6/8 "The Real I.XL Razor" - purchased from ebay and off to Wolfpack for referb.

I also have a SRD Premium I strop and will be buying a SRD Premium IV English Bridle strop very soon.

I started off rather bravely (OK, foolishly) doing 3 pass shaves with cleanup. I was pretty confident from the get go since I had been shaving with DE and SE razors for well over a year and had become very proficient at whipping up a nice lather with multiple soaps and I was very familiar with my beard growth direction. I drew blood fairly often at first, but almost always in the form of weapers. I've only had 1 real cut and it was an ear lobe cut. I've had a couple landing cuts that drew a hint of blood, but nothing serious. I have been able to shave for a couple weeks now without any blood whatsoever (knock on wood) and I get BBS or near BBS shaves almost daily.

The only reason I'm telling you all this is to let anyone who is just starting out with a straight know to be persistent, shave with confidence, but also with extreme concentration, and you will be mastering the art in no time.

I know many say it's not necessary, but I would also suggest wet shaving with a DE for a couple months to learn your beard and become skilled at creating a nice, well hydrated lather. A solid lather is a BIG key to SR shaving success in my mind.

Good luck to all my fellow noobs and keep pluggin'!

Murf

Here's to another 50!

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Here's to another 50!

Hear, hear!

50 shaves...great milestone...and it just keeps getting even more interesting - always new stuff to learn! Congrats!

Originally Posted by Phrank

50 shaves...great milestone...and it just keeps getting even more interesting - always new stuff to learn! Congrats!

+1...Great story and Great beginning Mike!

50 days in and you have that list? Sheesh....there's no escaping now.