Thread: Update and thanks....

.... to all of you guys who have patiently guided this Newbie through the first few weeks of such a rewarding learning curve. (Long post warning).

I am pleased. Pleased to have had such a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips as I have built a foundation of this new shaving skill. Now let's put this in perspective - I have tonight enjoyed the best shave that I have managed in my 52 years. That's an awful lot of botched and bungled attempts behind me. Really, that makes me feel quite choked when I think of it! What a privilege to be able to enjoy an experience that so many are denied but one that our forefathers undertook with such regularity.

Since the beginning of the year I have soaked up all of your advice, working through the first tentative and shaky strokes, building a technique to include right and left-handed shaving, stropping (alas my poor Dovo Rindleder!), the importance of a *shave-ready* blade (nothing else will do), stretching the skin, a light touch, the correct angle, with, across and against the grain, and so on.

I have languished in front of my computer, poring over the tempting ranges of soaps, creams, brushes and other paraphernalia. I have allowed myself to be enveloped in this totally indulgent obsession!

So where am I now? In about eight weeks, the proud owner of an intro-model stainless blade, a Dovo Bismarck and a Wade and Butcher beauty from SRP classifieds (I had better mention the nondescript junk-shop razor that I ruined, rather than restored - a sacrificial blade). A Dovo strop (in need of TLC and ultimate replacement), an ultrasoft silvertip to replace my starter synthetic, Truefitt and Hill, Palmolive, Wilkinson Sword and Trumper soaps and creams, a block of alum and some special aftershave treatments.

I know that I've a long way still to go but I am really thankful that I found this resource. I feel pretty sure that I would have given up in frustration, had it not been for these pages.

Most valuable advice for me?

First and foremost - be patient, there is a lot to learn but none of it is difficult. Shave ready razors - anything else will result in pain and a new razor is not SR! Build a strop technique carefully - concentrate until this is effective and be prepared for an occasional mishap! Expect some razor burn and a nick here and there while this technique is developed. Pamper the skin and beard, pre-shave. Stretch the skin, always. Watch the angle of cut, carefully, throughout the shave. Don't rush into multiple passes, in consideration of lack of experience and 'newbie skin'. Consolidate learning with practice before moving on. Never rush. Learn from the inevitable mistakes - come back here often and search the forums - it will have been covered before somewhere. Persevere, patiently. Did I mention don't rush?

So after a couple of months, my blades are probably in need of a little more maintenance, and time for a reward. Arrived just today, in pride of place, 3 Shaptons fresh from their journey around the world!

In short, I have progressed from a shaky start to the rather satisfied state of having shaved with my first self-honed blade. Yes, HHT success and a consistent BBS. Thanks to all, especially, Lynn and the guys on Sunday chat, Manah, Howard and everybody else who has replied to my questions or posted stuff for my benefit.

Congrats, Moggs! You've progressed greatly and your post is an inspiration for all fellow newbs. In addition to your new shaptons, what is your current line of hones?

Great post Moggs

Hi Ryan, Glen.

Thanks! Hones = Shapton 4, Shapton 8 and Shapton 16 - I know - just went for consistency in the early days. I somehow feel that with an additional lower grit, they will stand the test of time. But I will probably want to explore the 'naturals'. Just don't tell the treasurer! I've had limited experience of knife sharpening with an oilstone, - this is a revelation, such a beautifully made piece of kit!

Your going to be hard pressed to top the Shapton's edges... They are pricey, but the feed back while honing is second to none, they almost tell ya "Hey dude, time to switch stones"....

Looks like we should arrange a photo shoot for a giant poster
Great to hear the success story Moggs!
When the time comes tell the treasurer you just found the rocks in the creek. In the worst case she won't buy it, and you'll have to go with some other backup plan.