A box was at my door when I got home from work today. It held my new straight razor and set up. Admittedly all middle of the road gear but that initial outlay can swell like the river during a big storm. I didn't want to breach the dam if you know what I mean. I figured I'd just get myself back on the straight edge track and if the boss asks how much I dropped I can actually look her in the eye when I tell her $200.

So here is what I am starting with:

Well, it turns out that I made the right call. The razor is very sweet for $99. It wasn't ready to shave with but the boss was immediately fascinated by the whole thing and she wanted to watch me shave. I did what I could with the linen strop and then the leather and shaved with it. I did very well for the first straight shave in about twenty years. I had a little trouble right under my nose (I can always let the mustache grow in, but I think I'd rather just regain my former proficiency) and I took off a zit that appeared on my neck with an apparent death wish. It bled pretty good but that gave my girlfriend something to freak out about. The Dovo still needs a little work but I expect my new Belgian blue/coticule set this week so that blade will be much better before the next shave. Anyway, the boss loves the whole thing! She digs the almond fragrance of the soap and the finish with the bay rum. I let her know that this has opened an entire new realm of gift giving ideas with choices for every mood and every pocket book. Now I just have to send her some links to various items. I am very lucky. My girlfriend is dynamite and very generous. If I present it skillfully, she will happily buy me just about anything I ask for.

Okay guys, lets play a little game I like to call "Wish List". I know I will be collecting razors. I want to get a nice horsehide strop. I may as well try a badger brush (just so those poor little badgers didn't die for nothing) and there must be a couple dozen bay rums out there. Help me make some lists of this type at various levels of expense and please send me links to some of your favs.

This could be fun!