Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba... I'm Lovin' It!!!

I've been shaving with my Wapienica str8's for the past month and am absolutely loving it. Prior to moving to str8's, I had been using DE's for over 1yr... now they just sit in my drawer like discarded and forgotten relics. I actually feel bad about it at times... like I'm having an affair or something... but I just can't help myself. I just can't make myself use a DE anymore... the allure of the srt8 is too much. I am, after all, only human.

After receiving 3 new Wapi's, I attempted to hone one myself with little success due to a slightly warped blade. I have since, got it to pass the HHT by using the rolling-x stroke on my Norton 4k/8k hone (an excellent stroke that I think all can benefit from). My second Wapi has also been honed by myself, but is slightly less keen, so I will need to do a bit more work on it. My third Wapi sits untouched, as I anticipated ruining a few blades while learning how to hone and wanted to preserve one of my Wapi's for later. FYI: I only have a Norton 4k/8k and this seems to suffice for now; however, I do anticipate adding a coticule or pasted strop to my arsenal of equipment later on.

Initially, I did not have a proper strop and so I used an old leather belt. This worked to a point, but after receiving my Tony Miller #4 Starter Strop, I will never be without it again. I absolutely love this simple and unpretentious utilitarian item. It is made for a purpose and serves it well.

For the past month, I have been BBS every time I shave with one of my str8's. My only concerns have been a bit of razor burn from time to time, as well as the requisite nicks and cuts a newbie need expect while learning the art of shaving with a str8. These nick and cuts have been all but eliminated, and the razor burn substantially reduced, as I have bettered my techniques for preparing, stretching, and shaving my face.

I plan my shaves for the evening after my 4 month old daughter is settled in bed and my wife has had a chance to relax in front of the TV or computer screen. I do this, so that I do not need to rush my shaves. I have been known to spend 45 minutes doing a light honing and stropping of the blade, preparing my face, and finally shaving. It is somewhat of a ritual that I look forward to and do not want to rush (for many reasons). This is me time... and I'm lovin' it.

- Ken -

Great post Ken! Hopefully this will serve as inspiration to a newbie that is undecided as to whether or not they should give straights a try. The only thing that I want to say in response to your post is that I know that you enjoy honing right now; however, a "light honing" should definately not be needed before every shave or even after every few shaves. Too much honing will eventually be counterproductive when the edge becomes too thin and weak. This can lead to uncomfortable shaves and unnecessary hone wear. If you think that the razor needs something then definately take it to the stone; however, I would not recommend taking a great shaving razor to the stone just because.

Thanks for mentioning this... my original post was not very clear in this regard.

I only take my str8's back to the hone when they begin to pull too much and when this cannot be corrected by stropping. I try to keep my razors away from the hone as much as possible for the simple reason that I find it easier to mess up a blade on the hone than on the strop.

BTW, thanks to everyone for all your help and advice along the way. I will certainly do my best to give back to this community!

- Ken -