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):





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:



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



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



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:





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,