Just bought my first straight!

Hey guys,

I'd been posting questions for the last few days. I've always been interested in shaving with a straight and I am ready to commit to the purchases to give it a try for real. Anyway, b/c of all the info from this board and from PMs with people who know what they're talking about I'm already addicted - and I haven't even shaved with one! I just bought an ebay razor, to play with honing etc. once I get to that point and I'm getting ready to try and purchase another (honed by a proper honemeister rather than random ebayer) so I can get started.

Anyway I'm just excited because I just purchased this razor (and thanks to someone else posting about it I felt good about the buy): it's a Henckels vintage / Graef and Schmidt 50.

Here's someone's nice pics of theirs

Plus I only paid about $15 for mine so if I get it and it's "a few strops away from being shave ready" as described then I just got a great deal (I think!). So very excited!

Those are fine shavers. If the edge is in trim you'll be singin'.

X

Welcome! Feast your eyes all over the wiki and find everything you need here. I did. Now into my third month of proper shaving and it is still always a pleasure and unashamed self indulgence!

A few pointers, that worked for me, if I may: Don't rush. Start with a few easy strokes and consolidate your technique, get the feel of the blade. Pore over the newbies forum. Keep a sharp razor (anything else will disappoint and you would be well advised to get a guaranteed 'shave ready' blade just to set your reference). Expect some minor setbacks.

Key points for me - stropping technique - go slow and train those muscles to the desired stroke and flip. Start shaving with just a downward stroke or two on each side, (I did, for a week). Get good with the left hand - practice some motor skills that won't damage your facial skin (brushing teeth worked for me!). There are some excellent video clips/ dvd's around - I can recommend Lynn's dvd available from these pages.

Don't get disheartened - it will all come together for that coveted BBS!


Best wishes...