Hi. I'm New. (w/ pics!)

Howdy all!

I've been lurking for a couple of months now and thought it was time to finally get in on all of the fun.

Where do I start, oh yes, September, I started DE wetshaving back in September after having stumbled across Mantics videos and fully realizing my hatred for the expensive multiblade razors. I picked up a Merkur HD classic, Proraso Green and a tub of TOBS Avocado. I was having a great time with the DE but on most occasions my neck would be irritated after a shave, much like it was with the multiblade.

Because I was unable to find a blade that agreed with my neck, I turned to the straight razor. Right off the bat I ordered a setup from Kenrup, a lovely Double Arrow with ivory plastic scales and his strop w/ ChromOX on one side. I've been in love ever since, so much so that I've picked up a Dovo BlackStar from SRD and a Red Latigo/Cotton from Tony Miller.

I then realized that I was a soap man...when my newly purchased $3.00 puck of Col. Conk bay rum was hands down out performing my TOBS Avo and Proraso. Since, I've added the ever so lovely Tabac to my stockpile. Ever more fitting, Santa brought me a Rooney 1/1 in Super for Christmas :) alongside a set of Norton stones, 220/1k, 4k/8k and a flattening stone. I must've been a good boy this year :rock:

I've been at the straight for about a month now and have gotten pretty good with WTG and XTG passes. The few times I've attempted ATG, the neck bled a bit and was quite irritated, I'm sure it'll be all good once I learn the proper places to pull and strech on my neck...

From here I'd like to get into restoring old blades. I currently do not own any vintage straights (I do have one on the way from the classifieds, an old wedge). I'd also eventually like to add a Wapi wedge to the arsenal.

Because I've put you through having to read the above wall of text, the least I could do was include a few photos of my gear, enjoy!

Curt

Great setup. I have Col. Conk Bay Rum soap and I like the smells. It makes good lather too. I have one question though, do you use Guinness as aftershave? ;-) Just kidding.

Al raz.

looks like your off to a great start like the guiness too you have some nice looking gear my neck never really gave me a problem but my chin was a bear to get good at. just a thought you might want to check out some local antique stores for some restore jobs or look here razors :: Charming & Cheap Vintage Collectibles
another member turned me on to this site its hard to beat thier prices and sometimes they have some good finds on there:gl:
and welcome to srp

Nice razor. Love the aftershave. Ooops. Good beer too.. :rofl2:

Welcome to SRP!

mmm...Guinness :)

Hi & welcome,
If you watch Blade Wielders video you'll see how, with practise, you can progress from the likes of guinness right up to the hard stuff & still manage a great shave. Inspiration to us all!