Hi, my name is Adam and I have recently become interested in Straight Razor shaving. Over the Christmas break, I had decided that I wanted a SR to play with, just as a toy. I began reading online and very quickly ran across this site. After reading some more, I decided that I would like to actually shave with a SR.
I have been using Gillette Mach 3 razors and shaving gel for years, and have been perfectly happy with the shave quality I get. However, I cringe every time I buy a replacement pack of blades. The idea of buying a non-disposable tool that I can maintain myself and enjoy for years appeals to me.
My research thus far has led me to place the following items on my “want” list- a Dovo razor, a Tony Miller strop, and a Norton waterstone set. I had planned on continuing to use the Gillette shave gel, but have decided to give some traditional soaps a try as well.
I don’t have a straight razor, strop, or stone set yet, but decided to conduct a little soap experiment in the meantime. As I mentioned, I really like the Gillette gel. On a trip not long ago, I needed shaving cream and was forced to buy a can of Barbasol, which I utterly despise. Since I have two points of reference in terms of canned cream, I thought I would give traditional soap a try and see how well it worked. I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a brush ($5) and puck of shaving soap ($1.50). The next time I shaved (I shave every second or third day) I did everything the same, but substituted the soap for my Gillette gel. The lather was nowhere near as rich as the Gillette, and didn’t feel as though it had as much lubricity either, but I must say it was a far sight better than the Barbasol. My next experiment is to buy a sample pack from Colleen so I can try some different scents, as well as creams. By that time, however, I may have enough money to buy my SR and strop, so I can try different razor types as well. I have to say that I was impressed that crappy Wal Mart puck soap being whipped up with a crappy brush wielded by a soaping newbie was better than Barbasol. Maybe I will find something I like better than Gillette!
I really hate shaving, so another reason I am doing this is to hopefully turn a disdainful activity into an enjoyable one. Time will tell!
I am learning a lot, this site is really great.
Adam