Beginnings

[Tennessee Dave]

Got my Goldedge back from gssixgun. I asked Glenn to check, hone and make shave ready this razor that I had just bought before I attempted my first ever straight shave. He tightened the pins for me and made the razor SCARY sharp. He even included a note telling me exactly how the razor was honed. Good thing I sent it to him as it was no where near shave ready . Being a rookie I wanted to make sure I had an expert get it ready. gssixgun's turn around time and expertise on this razor was nothing short of phenominal. Thanks a million Glenn. You are a credit to the forum.

Well, I have been wet shaving with a DE for years now but at 58 had never experienced a straight shave. I have to admit that I was more than a little nervous . I knew I had a very sharp razor, thanks to gssixgun. Took a hot shower with Mama Bear's Dragonblood soap, pulled out my scuttle that my wife made me, made my lather using my Vulfix brush and Mama Bear's Pipe Tobacco soap and after a towel soak in hot water, lathered up. Made 3 passes with the grain., really hard to desribe how nervous I was! Had some problems with some angles primarily I think due to lack of confidence and just some downright fear.

Overall, one very minor nick and an acceptable shave. Not BBS like I am accustomed to with my DE by any means but acceptable in all regards. The DD feels good, looks good, and performs extremly well. I suspect that with an experienced hand it will perform as well as any razor out there. I can tell that this is going to take me some time to master but it is something I want to do and I intend to keep after it.

I have to get myself a strop. I really want a TM but I really need to find something to use until one is available. All in all this was a gratifying experience. Thanks for all the great information that you folks post on this form. I have learned a lot and have a lot more to learn. Need to practice what I know and get that BBS with this straight. Let the fun begin.