Hello to all,

I've been nosing around here for a few months getting up the nerve to jump in, and buying supplies. Now that I have the basic supplies, it's time.

I've been a member of B&B for a couple years now and have been drawn over here from there. I call it a natural progression in search of a great shave. And, yea, an excuse for a new hobby or two...or three...or...

Lots of time, actually almost all this time has been spent reading, watching and learning. Thanks to all for your insights and advise.

I have been shaving lately with a Gem Junior single edge. For me, better shaves than a DE.

During this lurking time I've also been buying my initial set-up, which I am beginning to feel may be more than an initial set up.

I've bought both Lynn's and Bill Ellis' dvd/cd's. An amazing amount of info on those, folks! Been through both of them a couple times. I had planned on honing and restoring razors, but I think now that will be put off until I get the shaving thing started down the right path. As I read in one of the stickies here, one thing at a time. That was one of the "Oh sh!!...no sh**" moments of my studying.

Thanks to Lynn and Bill for you dvd's.

The razors I've bought have all been local. Four of them have been sharpened.

I was lucky enough to receive a free sharpening from Utopian (Ron) following one of his generous "first three repondents" offers. He was kind enough to do a Boker Red Injun that I had bought. ron told me the blade was in good condition except for a small pit in the face, and that there was absolutely no edge left on it. There had been and edge until I thought I would try to get rid of the pit and shine it up before I sent it to him. After going through the entire course of wet/dry paper, I really upped his workload, and wrote back an apology. Ron is a great guy to communicate with and learn from, as you all know from his posts. Can't wait to try the Boker. Thanks, Ron, for your offer and service.

Glen (gssixgun) has done up three for me. A DD Satinege of which he offered up a very nice compliment on the condition of the razor as I found it.
He also did a Geneva Special A and a Genco Henry's X. Thank-you, Glen for you time and quicker turn around that expected. Can't wait to use these, also.

I bought a Miller 3" Latigo/Linen, a separate 3" horsehide, and a starter strop. Thanks Tony for your advice and above-the-call-of-duty patience. He knows what I'm talking about. They are truly works of art and Tony is great to speak with over the phone.

I've picked up a Carborundum barbers hone at the antique mall and a generic barbers home from the local barbers supply. By generic I mean no name brand but it is a white colored arkansas. Can anyone say anything about the arkansas? Did I waste my time with it? If so, I'll stick with the Carb.

O.K. Now for the simple poll.

Which of the four listed razors should I start with? Geneva Special A, Genco Henry's X, Boker Red injun, or the DD Satinedge?http://straightrazorpalace.com/images/smilies/dunno.gif Should I save the Boker and DD until I become more proficient with S.R. shaving? Your input will tell the tale. I'll wait a few days and see what you folks have to say. Heck, I've waited this long, a couple more days won't matter.

And waiting in the shadows are a Henckels #60 which looks to be in better shape that the DD, a Shumate, which will be a project when that time comes, and a "NOS" Elixio. Shumate and the Elixio came from the bay. Anyone have any experience with the Elixio? Nicde looking gold wash that says Solingen on face of blade and tang has Best Silver Steel on it.

My gawd, look at this! I'm sorry this turned into such a long intro. I guess I'm just excited.

Best regards and looking forward to getting to know you all better,

Kevin