Thread: Hello from a beginner

Well, I've finally gotten sick of the terrible shaves that a MachIII and canned foam give me. Been using those for a few years (I'm 24), and before that I used an electric that was even worse on my face. Never close enough, and always irritation on my neck. I've been lurking at the various shave forums for a week now, and I think I'm ready to jump in to the world of the straight razor.

I've browsed enough to have chosen out a medium quality kit for myself. Just put an email out to Superior Brushes for a 20mm Super badger hair brush with a custom sherwood green, Persian jar shaped handle. Going to follow that up with an order with Mama Bear soaps, probably lime, rosemary and mint, and hydrogen, and maybe some cream or shampoo as well. Cheap Asian lacquerware easily available in Vancouver will suffice for a lather bowl I think. I also have a store in the city that sells the Truefitt and Hill line,

Would it be a good idea to get the hang of lathering before seeking out a razor and strop? I've read the warnings on the forum and will seek out a used razor and a strop from one of the forum members.

One of my other hobbies is fountain pens, and like pens I'm attracted to the notion that the old ways of doing things are quite often better. I enjoy spending the time to get these things right, and they usually reward you with a much more luxurious experience. It's only recently that we've become obsessed with speed and disposability, or men with using luxury scented skin care products.

~Ryan