Hey everyone. ANOTHER newbie here who has been bitten by the shaving bug. About three months ago I decided I'd had enough of the multi-blade gizmo razors and went to a DE razor. I got a Merkur Progress and I picked up a sample pack of blades from WestCoastShaving and ended up getting a great shave from the Feathers.

I also picked up a brush and some Proraso, Musgo Real and Col Conk Bay Rum Soap. I am really loving all three of these creams/soaps and rotate through them about evenly.

After getting an amazing shave from the DE and really enjoying the wet-shaving process I decided I needed a straight razor. After using the SEARCH function a zillion times, I decided that a good razor for a newbie like me would be the Le Grelot 1/4 grind. So I contacted Martin and had one shipped to me.

My first shave with the straight was hilarious. My hand was shaking as I neared the razor to my face. It was a very un-natural feeling to hold the blade right there on my cheek. After a deep breath and some focus I shaved just the sideburn and cheek areas WTG. Now, after a couple of weeks with the straight, I am shaving with both hands WTG, XTG, ATG with no issues. I do find the chin area to be the most difficult but I think I am getting the hang of it. I am getting BBS on the easy areas and a decent close shave everywhere else.

For razor maintenance I have the SRD Premium Strop. It took about two days to get the hang of stropping. I was using too much pressure to begin with and now i have been able to lighten up my touch while still getting a good draw from the leather.

For hones I bit the bullet and just ordered the Shapton Glass Stones in 4k/8k/16k. They arrive tomorrow and I can't wait for the FedX guy to show up. Hehehe.


So, my question to the members of the group is...

... What razor should I get next to compliment my 1/4 grind?


Thanks to everyone here for providing such a great forum.

Tom