So... Hi all, I just had my second ever shave with a straight razor and I thought to myself lets see what I did right or wrong and maybe share my thoughts around.

After seeing some videos on YouTube showcasing how people shaved in the past (including a documentary instructional video by Bugs Bunny), I thought to myself "I have to try this thing" so I did!
Now some posts around the web said that you should start wet shaving with a safety razor first and then transition to a razor if you want, but I didn't come for no safety so I decided that I'll shave with a weapon or not at all.

So I got myself a Kit from whipped dog including:
  • "sight unseen" straight razor.
  • Synthetic Brush and Soap set.
  • poor man strop kit.


The package arrived and I guess somewhere along the way some post office decided to play a round of football with my package because the razor arrived with broken scales...
But Larry is one awesome dude (He really is) and he said he will send me a replacement razor.

So on to my first shave!
I noticed I had no trouble shaving my two month beard, but when it came to WTG pass I had a bit of trouble getting real nice and close.
Got a few nicks and cuts but nothing to hard. And most importantly I learned a couple of points:
1. Don't use the brush in a stabbing motion...
2. Don't be afraid of the blade and use a good angle.
3. Be slightly afraid of the blade, its the sharpest thing I've ever seen by far.

So I stropped the blade (hopefully properly) and shaved for a second time today, this time including the mustache and chin area.
It went a bit more smoothly but still learning how to do like a pro. Now I noticed i have a problem finding a good place to grip my skin to stretch it.
Hopefully next shave I'll do an ATG pass (I'm positive since I decided to grow a beard again so it's just the neck area and around the ear)

Now I'm hoping to be a part of this society since my country is sadly lacking in wet shavers. So do you guys have any good place to order shaving soaps? I've seen Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements and I may give them a go.
Anyway Hello to all of you!