Originally Posted by
Hillie
Josh, let me start with issuing a warning: You'll likely start with a worse result using a straight. No, it doesn't fit the straight shaving praising on the forum, but you'll likely start with some nicks, cuts and razor burn.
Now that we've got that out of the way, if you PM me your address, I'll send you a brand spanking new block of alum (Italian) and a brand new still in plastic puck of our own Olivia's soap (the ambra one). The soap is great for sensitive skin, will last you a long time, but I found it less pleasant in building the lather. It nevertheless works and I wouldn't be surprised if just about everybody else gets a better result than me. :) ;)
It will take some time, as it has to come from Europe, but about a week and you'll have a puck of soap and a block of alumm, that you can even use as an aftershave alternative.