Into from New Jersey

[Lt.Arclight]

Although I have lurked about for a while and made a few posts, I'd like to say greetings from New Jersey. Today is the 23rd Anniversary of my very first Straight Razor shave. I remember it well for several reasons.

It was the 2nd day of the Police Academy for me. On day one I had the unfortunate honor of failing the afternoon inspection. The DI was an old Salty Police Sergeant that had spent many years as a DI on Parris Island,-BASIC Marine Corps training center.He approached me in while I nervously stood in formation and commented on my VERY early 5 O'clock shadow. He took a business card from his uniform shirt pocket and stroked my cheek with it,"advising" me that the sound it made was not to his grooming standard. After the resulting push ups and dress down, I decided this was not going to happen again.

That evening, I went to a local barber shop, had an even shorter crew cut and my first STRAIGHT shave.I was so pleased with the results (as was my DI on the following day during Morning PT and inspection)I asked for a quick lesson as well as purchasing my first razor(I unfortunately DO NOT have the Razor though..)

Subsequently, after graduating the academy and starting my Police Career, I lost interest, and felt that using the razor was a task and went back to the multi-blade tool.

Now in Retirement(forced due to line of duty injuries) I once again got bit by the Straight Razor bug.Being a sharp knife fanatic and experienced sharpener I was able to adjust to honing quite easily.I recently purchased Lynn's DVD and found it to be a wealth of knowledge as well as fueling my desire for buying more razors.

Now older, I find the whole shaving experience to be relaxing and look forward to the "task".This forum is fantastic. Not a day goes by that I don't pick up useful information. THANKS!