Hi everyone,

I may sound boring with my rather typical curriculum, but here I go: went from a combination of electric/Mach III to DE shaving a couple of years ago when I decided to stop torturing myself. Bought my first DE, a Merkur HD, a Vulfix brush and a tub of Proraso green. Later I bought a Gillette adjustable, then a Merkur Slant during AD episodes, only to go back to my good ol' HD.

My HD gives me good results on my usual WTG-XTG x2 routine. But... my BBS attempts give me a burning sensation that lasts all day, as if I removed a layer of skin on my face, even though I don't get too much weepers/redness right after shaving. And there's a higher risk of ingrowns, too. As you may have guessed, I am a case of very coarse and stubborn beard, and moving into straights seems a logical step to me.

For now, my goal is achieving the same results with a straight as with my HD. Last spring I purchased a Sanguine shavette to try my hand, and it's not bad. I didn't cut myself into pieces, I've started to "learn" my face, so now I feel ready for the big leagues.

Also, I like the idea of not having to buy consumables, so straight razors are quite an interesting proposition for the tree hugger/cheapskate in me. Actually, this aspect is what might have tipped the balance in favor of straights. Oh, and there's also my fascination for anything made to high standards of craftsmanship.

The folks at Badger & Blade were most helpful during my DE days (even if I'm more of a lurker), and I expect the same from you.

Now on to the BST forums...