...and the angels were made of steel.

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08-31-2008, 05:35 PM
Steel Angel

...and the angels were made of steel.
Hi gents,
Please allow me to introduce myself in a few words. I am Steel Angel; I live in Paris, France, and work as an IT consultant for insurance companies. I enjoy reading, especially historical essays, and listening to music. I am fond of Heavy Metal (particularly from the 80's) and Opera (mostly the almighty Richard Wagner). Among other thing, I like Cuban cigars and Belgian beers. I also practice Tang Lang Kung Fu, also known as the Shaolin Mantis variant, but I think next year I will move to Israeli Krav Maga. From a survivalist perspective, I guess this martial art is more fitted to the harsh life in French urban jungle.

I already know a few of you, from Badger & Blade and Coupe-Chou Club (my user name is Hirsutz in both fora). For instance, I have recognized badboris, Karakoup1, Joelski78, Ockham, gugi, Kees, CJBianco, etc. I warmly thank Leon who persuaded me into contributing here.

About shaving issues, I still regard myself as being a newbie. Until recently I was wearing a wild beard. With my dark long hair, I physically look like -in less brawny- Rugby player Sébastien Chabal. I have not achieved a complete close shave yet. I cope with difficulties while shaving against the grain because I do not succeed in holding correctly the straight razor (with the grain is relatively OK). However I am not comfortable when shaving some areas of my face (mustache, chin) but I guess this is a recurring matter for many beginners. As of today, I must finish my shaves with a safety razor but I do not despair and still am confident in improving myself.

Here are some pictures of my straight razors (sorry for the poor quality):

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/les4.jpg

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/les4bis.jpg

From right to left: Wapienica 5/8, Unknown, Heljestrand 5/8 and Falkenberg 8/8.
(I have a fifth straight razor -my very first- a Dovo Astrale 5/8 which is held somewhere in Alsace)

I bought the Wapienica 5/8 from Karakoup1:

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/Wapi.jpg

This nice Heljestrand 5/8 with ivory scales was sold to me by gugi:

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/Swedish.jpg

This is my monster, the mighty Falkenberg 8/8:

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/Falkenberg.jpg

And this is an anonymous straight razor, I know nothing about it (no brand, no name... any information is welcome). I like his strange shape. It was badly restored by a friend of mine. The blade is drab compared to my other ones:

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/inconnu2.jpg

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/inconnu1.jpg

A preview of my shaving gear:
- a Delong shaving brush (Chinese generic silvertip)
- an Old Spice mug
- my favourite shaving creams (including but not limited to): JM Fraser's, ToOBS Rose, Godrej Rich Foam, Wars, Arko Commando, Proraso, Vicco Tumeric, etc.
- my #1 aftershave balm (not pictured): 444! Thanks Leon! I look forward to try it mixed with a splash (Alt-Innsbruck is expected to be the one).
I greatly appreciate Portuguese shaving stuff (444 rules) and that is a pity I have not yet be able to give any Musgo Real product a go!!!

To conclude my introduction thread, you should be aware of these facts:
- (trivia) my user name has nothing to do with the manga/anime Steel Angel Kurumi. It comes from an obscure French Heavy Metal act;
- SWMBO is registered here, my dear Meeme. She shall introduce herself next week.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Kind regards,
08-31-2008, 05:55 PM
Ockham

Hello Steel Angel, and welcome to SRP.

We have indeed already met on B&B and CCC. It is nice to have you here; this place is full of nice - and crazy :tu - people, you'll find tons of informations... it is a good place to hang around.

You get yourself some nice razors - RAD is coming in hard as I can see. Keep up the good work...

BTW I can see that you get Gugi's Heljestrand... I get his DD :p

See you around!
08-31-2008, 06:01 PM
netsurfr

Welcome to SRP!!!
Glad you decided to join us.
While you are in the early learning stages, I would recommend that you forego the against-the grain-passes. Many find that they can do an extra across-the-grain pass and never use the against the grain strokes.
You have a nice set of razors to start your str8 shaving adventure.
Welcome again and let us know if you have any questions. It's a great forum.
08-31-2008, 06:06 PM
Leon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel Angel

I warmly thank Leon who persuaded me into contributing here.

Welcome Philippe! It's good to have you here!

Nice Falkenberg you have!

Enjoy!
08-31-2008, 06:26 PM
gssixgun

Welcome to SRP

Welcome aboard the straight train may your ride be long and smooth !!!!!

Nice set up already, looks like your off to the right start!!!!!:D
08-31-2008, 06:28 PM
Steel Angel

Many thanks for the warm welcome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ockham

You get yourself some nice razors - RAD is coming in hard as I can see. Keep up the good work...

Actually I think I only miss a vintage French blade, a Thiers-Issard or a Le Grelot for tight beards.

One more little pic:

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/gear.jpg
08-31-2008, 06:57 PM
Sharp&Shiny

Welcome aboard my friend I think you will enjoy this forum as all the members are friendly, helpful & In my own experience a real joy to deal with.
This is THE forum to get all the help & Knowledge you require to help the learning curve to be nice & easy.Paul
Ps you have a nice RAD starting there ,It will get bigger, Really!
08-31-2008, 07:27 PM
Whiggamore

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

I like the white flag you've displayed your razors on.
08-31-2008, 07:34 PM
Meeme

White flag?

In fact it is a barber towel I have arranged with art as I am Steel Angel's SWMBO.
08-31-2008, 07:46 PM
Whiggamore

Ohhh? A barber's towel? I thought it was French military issue.

I jest! As they say, "Ego trado!" Hope I said it properly.

And welcome. You're a week ahead of your promised arrival, though.
08-31-2008, 07:50 PM
Steel Angel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiggamore

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

I like the white flag you've displayed your razors on.

Actually -as stated Meeme- this is a cool barber towel I got from The Shave Den Store. Cheap and useful!
08-31-2008, 07:56 PM
BeBerlin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel Angel

Actually -as stated Meeme- this is a cool barber towel I got from The Shave Den Store. Cheap and useful!

Just checked with my grandfather. Said he saw quite a few of those wilst touring France. Very useful, those dual use towels.

Any road, welcome to SRP. Enjoy your stay.
08-31-2008, 07:59 PM
JMS

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Just checked with my grandfather. He says he saw quite a few of those wilst touring France. Very useful, those dual use towels.

Any road, welcome to SRP. Enjoy your stay.

:eek:Man you guys are mean!:roflmao:roflmao
08-31-2008, 08:01 PM
Whiggamore

Angels made of steel can handle devils made of humour, I think.
08-31-2008, 08:07 PM
Ockham

Oho... Meeme, I am wrong saying that you are Maetel on B&B? the quote from Cicero (Epistulae ad familiares XIV.4 if I am not mistaken) is not seen very often on the web... :tu
08-31-2008, 08:08 PM
Steel Angel

German humour is strange :roflmao
08-31-2008, 08:20 PM
Meeme

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ockham

Oho... Meeme, I am wrong saying that you are Maetel on B&B? the quote from Cicero (Epistulae ad familiares XIV.4 if I am not mistaken) is not seen very often on the web... :tu

I am, you are right, Maetel on Badger & Blade. I will write a detailed introduction thread next week that will explain the choice of my signature. I already have heard of you, and, if I correctly remember, we share a great interest in the Middle Ages.
08-31-2008, 08:20 PM
Whiggamore

I wouldn't call that German humour as just about every nation on Earth has the same jokes.
09-01-2008, 05:25 PM
Steel Angel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ockham

Oho... Meeme, I am wrong saying that you are Maetel on B&B? the quote from Cicero (Epistulae ad familiares XIV.4 if I am not mistaken) is not seen very often on the web... :tu

Eric Cantona is no Cicero but scholars are still trying to explain his assertion I reproduced in my signature :thinking:
The video is worth seeing. I love the French way he said "think" (my oral English is as terrible as his, though).

YouTube - Eric Cantona Post-Kung Fu Kick Press Conference
09-02-2008, 01:07 AM
Spike J

Enchante Monsieur & Madame

Welcome to the insanity that is SRP. I would say that the ribbing is normal if you're not anglo. It is very nice to have more francophone members. You do add such elegance to our corner of the weird.

If I may be bold, madame, it is so gratifying to see M Tullius quoted correctly. I will have to find some Ovid for my signature now:w

Votre ami gallois

Spike
09-02-2008, 01:34 AM
JohnP

Welcome both of you!
It is an incurable addiction, this stuff...

John P.
09-02-2008, 08:45 PM
Karakoup1

Hello Philippe!:nj

Let me welcome you on SRP...

A great place to be along with all of us... Str8 lovers!:y

Thanks also for the confidence you put on me! I do appreciated it... Hope you are still happy with your Wapi!:tu

Take care and see you around!:tu

Valentin
09-02-2008, 09:04 PM
woork

@Steel Angel

What do you think of the Heljestrand and Falkenberg razors?
I see a lot of them in bidding sites here in Sweden,the nice ones goes for about 10 bucks a piece.
But I haven't bought one yet cuz i don't know anything about the quality of razors forged in Sweden..
Enlighten me please!=)
09-03-2008, 10:30 AM
Johnny J

Hey Angel, welcome to the club. To address your original question: I think you're doing the right thing. Start shaving the easy spots & slowly expand your comfort zone. I didn't do this & I still have the scars to prove it.

BTW, that's some nice gear you have there.
09-03-2008, 10:46 AM
Silver

Greetings Steel Angel and Meeme!:D

Welcome to SRP and I hope you enjoy your stay. I am Spike J's SWIMBO and I've been straight shaving for 2 months now and loving it!:y

It is great to have another lady here, can't wait for your official introduction Meeme.
09-03-2008, 05:28 PM
Steel Angel

Quote:

Originally Posted by woork

@Steel Angel

What do you think of the Heljestrand and Falkenberg razors?
I see a lot of them in bidding sites here in Sweden,the nice ones goes for about 10 bucks a piece.
But I haven't bought one yet cuz i don't know anything about the quality of razors forged in Sweden..
Enlighten me please!=)

My Heljestrand straight razor is top-notch. As far as I am concerned, you cannot be wrong with this brand. Gugi is a true Heljestrand connoisseur, you should ask him too!

Regarding Falkenberg, mine comes from Solingen :thinking: Anyway, as it is an impressive 8/8, I have not shaved with this meat cleaver yet. I am still afraid of it!
09-03-2008, 06:15 PM
woork

Hmm,strange Falkenberg is a town here in sweden..
09-03-2008, 07:57 PM
gugi

Thanks for the kind words Steel Angel :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by woork

Hmm,strange Falkenberg is a town here in sweden..

Since it's labeled Solingen it does come from Germany. May be they ran out of german towns to name their razors after, or may be they imported the steel from Sweden via Falkenberg, or may be somebody just liked the town...
In any case it looks rather nice - you should shave with it, it's not all that much different than shaving with a small razor.
09-03-2008, 08:42 PM
iron maiden

Welcome to SRP, Phillippe.

Since you live in France.....you should try a Thiers-Issard or Le Grelot razor. They're very, very good razors, and I'd expect you to be able to get a good deal on one since they are made in your native country, but I could be wrong.
09-03-2008, 09:11 PM
Steel Angel

Maybe this can help :hmmm: The gent from whom I got my Falkenberg 8/8 told me it was a NOS, from the 1950's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iron maiden

Welcome to SRP, Phillippe.

Since you live in France.....you should try a Thiers-Issard or Le Grelot razor. They're very, very good razors, and I'd expect you to be able to get a good deal on one since they are made in your native country, but I could be wrong.

With such a username, you MUST be a Heavy Metal enthusiast. NWOBHM rules http://reginleif.free.fr/psychobang.gif
New French straight razors are as expensive as anywhere else! But I am still trying to dig out a nice vintage one!
09-04-2008, 04:53 PM
gugi

Quote:

Originally Posted by woork

What do you think of the Heljestrand and Falkenberg razors?
I see a lot of them in bidding sites here in Sweden,the nice ones goes for about 10 bucks a piece.
But I haven't bought one yet cuz i don't know anything about the quality of razors forged in Sweden..

Swedish Steel is nice and most swedish razors are very good - if you look in the razor clubs section you'll see that there are quite a few fans.
09-06-2008, 05:00 PM
xman

Welcome to SRP Steel Angel. You've got some good egar there and I'm sure you'll be getting great shaves in no time.

X
09-06-2008, 05:08 PM
fpessanha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel Angel

Many thanks for the warm welcome!

Actually I think I only miss a vintage French blade, a Thiers-Issard or a Le Grelot for tight beards.

One more little pic:

http://reginleif.free.fr/SRP/gear.jpg

Hello Philippe! I see you have the portuguese "O Melhor" shaving cream... meaning: "the best" shaving cream by the "Confiança" brand (meaning... "trust" :))... Glad to know you have good taste! ;)
09-06-2008, 05:18 PM
Steel Angel

You have seen well Francisco! I hope to write soon a review of this Portuguese shaving cream!

Gents, do not forget to welcome my dear Meeme!
09-07-2008, 07:53 PM
d. m. ellington

Welcome Steel Angel

Welcome to Staight Razor Place.

I have always been interested in France and all things French.

When I was a small boy a French lady came to visit our school and told of her expierences during the Nazi occupation. I was fascinated by her stories of the Marquis and the French Resistance. Ever since then I have read everything I could get my hands on regarding the Resistance movement.

I had the oportunity to visit Toulon France in the late sixties and spent many an evening at Charlies American Bar and Grill. Love that great French wine and those strong cigarettes.

I think you are doing the right thing by studying Krav Maga. It is a practical system. I was taught American Millitary Hand to Hand Combat by my father and uncles from the time I was a small boy.
I was fortunate to have a Sunday School teacher who had been a sparring partner with Jack Demsey.
I also boxed at the Boys Club and when I was in the U. S. Navy.

When I was in the Navy learned some fighting techniques from the Phillipino Sailors aboard my ship.

In 1974 I joined the Southern Railway Police Department and served as a Special Agent for 32 years.
During this time I attended many local, state and federal siminars on self defense tactic.

I also trained in JuJitsu for two years with a Mr. Marshall who was awarded his black belt by none other than Kano in Japan.

The best system I have found for someone that does not have a teacher is the Attack Proof by John Perkins. WWW.Attackproof.com They have CDs, books . If one learns the basic techniques of this system he will be prepared for the streets.

Again - Welcome

D. M. Ellington
09-07-2008, 08:24 PM
Steel Angel

Thank you very much, D. M. Ellington!

Wow, your résumé is impressive! Thanks for this interesting link, that is a pity the DVDs are quite expensive but I will consider buying the Attack Proof guide.

Oh, and my favourite French resistant was Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves.
09-09-2008, 07:18 PM
WireBeard

Bienvenue Steel Angel et Meeme!

Bienvenue aux SRP!

Pardon la qualité de mon français ... Je n'ai pas utilisé dans un longtemps. Il est également agréable de voir Cicéron cité avec tant d'éloquence sur le Web. Malheureusement, mon latin n'est pas aussi bonne qu'elle l'était. Toutefois, je parle russe et allemand couramment.

Je n'ai pas à Paris depuis longtemps, mais encore l'amour de la ville. L'un de mes lieux de prédilection est le Cavaeu de la Huchette de la rue de la Huchette. Jazz étonnant!

SRP - gens amical. J'espère que vous l'apprécierez!

:D

Greg