Good eve, gents!

My name's Matt, and I looked around for a good place to introduce myself--I figured this was as good a place as any. I've been using a DE Gilette Fatboy for a few years now, when I shave (sometimes I get lazy... and grow a mountain-man-esque beard that my wife isn't too particularly fond of) and have had a relatively good experience, despite my wife/friends thinking I'm crazy for using such an antiquated tool.

I had no idea there was a community devoted to the finer aspects of the art of shaving, but I guess there's a niche for everything on the internet, isn't there? In any case, I digress. Something primal inside me has stirred and caused me to consider the straight razor life. I'd like something that I can do that will give me some... me time. This seems perfect--almost zen-like. I'm intrigued, and while I have yet to try it, am going to be making a few purchases soon.

I've been lurking on your board here and look forward to learning this time honored tradition, and hopefully, one day pass it on to my progeny.

I'm a 26 year old English teacher in the greater Phoenix, AZ area and am excited to be a part of this community. :tu

Hi. Welcome to SRP. We have indeed dedicated ourselves here to foster the art of straight razor shaving, and to help people along the way. That and world domination of course, but the latter needs a bit more work before we can really get started ;)

I will move your post to the newbies corner. That is where most people introduce themselves, and where you can get a ton of advice on all aspects of this fine art.

Be sure to get information on what to buy before you buy anything. That is the best way to prevent disappointment. There is a ton of crappy goods floating around on ebay and other places. There is also a ton of good stuff floating around, but it is not easy for newbies to tell the difference :)

And if you have any questions, just ask.
Have fun :tu

Fair enough! I didn't know if Newbies Corner was restricted to questions/etc. I've done quite a bit of reading and research on what to look for, etc. Before I make any big money purchases I'd seek advice, but might peek around some local antique shops to see what there is to see.

I'm think, from what I've read, that I'm looking for a half-hollow, 5/8 or 6/8, carbon blade. I don't care about the brand as much as the quality of the steel (but have read about certain brands to avoid). Of course I could try this and find out it's all wrong for me, but that's the fun isn't it?

Welcome aboard Sir!

Welcome to SRP. When you look around antique stores for a razor if you stick with a Solingen made blade you probably won't be disappointed. Most all of the old Solingens were of quality steel and will hone up fairly quickly. There were and are great razors made in Sheffield, the USA, France, and Sweden as well. What you want to avoid are Pakistan, India, and China cheapies of questionable quality.

Just mind the condition and look for something without a lot of hone wear or corrosion around the edge. If you find something get one and send it out to a honemiester and one more to practice honing yourself when you get the first one back. :gl:

welcome to srp if you are looking for something inexpensive try the classifieds on this site you can get some good deals on good shave ready razors you might want to get beginners kit with a strop so you will be ready to go :gl:

My mornings have been totally transformed since taking up the Straight Razor. The aroma of the coffee, choosing a soap and making lather, the feel of the brush on my face, Stropping, taking my time and beginning my day in a humane way. It used to be; sleep to the last minute and run a Fusion razor across my face in 10 minutes. Not any more. The morning shave is my time and don't forget the aftershave lotion.
Dannyr