4 Weeks in...

Four weeks using a straight razor and I must say I never thought shaves could feel so good. This morning after spending a few minutes just me, my razor, and hone, I preped my face and went to work. I have gotten to the point where I can do 2 passes (without a lot of nicks or weepers) and still be ready for work on time. Every shave is getting better still. Those problem areas I had with the neck and jaw line keep getting smaller, and the problem around my gotee isn't a problem anymore (I shaved it off so there was more real estate for the razor). I have gone from a once a day shaver with a 5 O'clock shadow to shaving every other day. That's close! I am actually having less trouble with oily skin and my face is becoming more and more BBS. Where's that Mach III? Oh yea, I don't care.
Have spent sometime hunting razors too, this is actually turned into a good family activity since my wife likes antiquing and my daughter is amazed with all "the old stuff". I have had some nice finds that have been cleaned and polished and are being sent to my Father in law (2Sharp) to be sharpened. So I'm really pleased with the progression of my shave technique, it seems to improve with every shave. Now I think I'll begin learning to sharpen and about making scales. And maybe Saturday I'll shoot for a 3 pass shave. I'm Lovin' it ( I know, it's a Mickey D's slogan but it definanly works here too).
Thanks for the help and the advice, also for the wiki. So much good information in there.

Thanks for sharing. I loved that feeling at the beginning...AND I STILL DO! It is still getting better, and I have a feeling it will keep doing so.
Right now, the thing I am working on is honing. I can't get my blades quite where I want them (I am aiming for honemeister levels of sharp/smoothness, and recognize that this will likely take YEARS of practice...it is a goal, though), but every week or whatever...I notice some improvement in something...and I smile.

Thanks for sharing. I felt the same at 4 weeks.

Pabster

I think you are hooked. I'm glad you got a good start. A lot of new straight razor shavers come and go and don't continue because of a bad start with a dull razor and don't have the patience to try to get it right.

bj