HAHAHAHA

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. :rock:

Tom

Hey Tom, welcome from another CT str8 shaver.

That is a great set-up you've started with, and glad to hear it is going well so far. As for what types of razors you should go with, there are a million opinions. If you liek the feel of that 1/4 grind, there aren't TOO many modern/recent production choices. You might want to look into vintage wedges and fuller grinds.
That said, it might be a good idea for you to at least try some of the more thinly ground razors, as soom (most, actually) experienced guys will say that they require you to develop good habits and technique. In the full hollow category, there are many, many choices, you could do a Dovo from SRD, sharpened by Lynn...so you know it is good to go. Or, you could stick to the LeGrelot, but try a hollow grind, to see what changing the hollow does to your experience without changing up too much else. Much like when you started DE shaving, try to change as few variables at a time as you can while you find out what works for you.

Good luck, and HAVE FUN!

Wellcome. Looks like you are off to a good start.

There are A LOT of good razors out there. Take a look in the classifieds or from one of the vendors. Just make sure you get it shave ready.

Take your time and enjoy. :gl:

Sounds like a half hollow or a wedge would go well next to see whether you like them heavier or lighter.

X

Quote:

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Originally Posted by STR8RAZORTOM

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.

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Sounds a lot like my first try, too. Glad you hear you made it through the learning curve. I'm still working on it myself... ;)

Hey sounds like your doing great, jumping in face first! I love shaving with a DE as well as a straight razor. I find the Feather blades perform great. Keep on rocking man and don't forget the post shave alum and aftershave lotion!
Dannyr:tu

Well, I bought one of thoses 1/4 grind razors from Martin and it was extremely sharp. I'm not sure what he's doing to them but it was sharper than I can normally get my other razors.

Welcome to SRP

I'd say a 5/8-6/8 full hollow in square or spanish point. That'll be quite different from what you have now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gugi

Welcome to SRP

I'd say a 5/8-6/8 full hollow in square or spanish point. That'll be quite different from what you have now.

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This sounds interesting. Do you have any examples of such a blade?

What do you all think of the TI Silverwing LE?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by STR8RAZORTOM

This sounds interesting. Do you have any examples of such a blade?

What do you all think of the TI Silverwing LE?

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Welcome to SRP. I love mine. Honed by Lynn Abrams and is a great shaver.

The Shapton hones arrived via Fedx yesterday. I lapped them with DMT 8C. They were definitely cupped. Then I touched up my razor with 8k and then 16k. I gave it around 50 strops on the leather and shaved. It turned out great. I could certainly feel the razor was sharper and cutting better then before. The stones were very easy to use. They sort of suck the blade down to the stone and provide good feedback too. I'm very happy with them. :D
After the touch up honing on my razor I sharpened my Misono UX-10 Chef knife (Rockwell 59-60) with the DMT D8C then the Shapton 4k and 8k. It came out really nice however I think a Shapton 1k would help with the kitchen knives or maybe the DMT D8F.

Cheers,
Tom