Thread: My introduction and first shave

Hiya everybody,

Just dropped in to formally introduce myself: I'm 29 years old and living in Finland, where there really isn't much SR or DE culture (though I see few members from Scandinavia here), but the idea has fascinated me along with other olden things like fountainpens and hardback books (ok, maybe books ain't that old, but I digress). In addition, I'm interested in sharpening/restoration, fishing, cooking and good movies.

Some history
I have been wet-shaving with cartridges all my life because electrics gave me irritation without providing much of a close shave. In addition, the noise was driving me up a wall =). For a long time, I used various canned goops but a few years ago I discovered english creams (started off with Taylor of old Bond Street and Truefitt&Hill) from London and I've been using them to enhance my shaving since. I even bought some for my father and brother (whether wetshaving hereditary or infectious, I cannot say =))
I came into possession of my first razors maybe 8-9 years ago, when I bought, out of fascination, two razors from a flea market along with a paddle strop. Pretty well preserved, but not nearly sharp enough. Can't remember whether I tried shaving back then, or did I just write it off too dull. Since then, I've gradually been buying miscellanous razors (mostly Eskiltuna blades. I might show and tell someday) from flea markets, but until I got into knife sharpening I didn't make any real attempt to shave. Amazingly, the razor was too dull and pulled. =). In hindsight, this was propably due to lack of good sharpening equipment. Thus, that the venture was once again put on hiatus.

First Shave
This summer I came by SRP and read the forum and wiki for a few months and decided to give it a proper go. I ordered a vintage "James Dewsnap, Sheffield" razor and an entry level Dovo strop from Steve at The Invisible Edge (Great big thanks for the excellent service, btw) and took it for a spin this morning. Showered at start, then used D.H.Harris Arlington soap, Truefitt&Hill 1805 cream, and Omega 48 boar brush to lather up and start chopping. Since I had handled razor previously, I decided to shave my cheeks with the straight and patch the chin with cartridge. Finished it off with alum, T&H spanish leather cologne and Nivea aftershave. Might have been an overkill, but it was convenient excuse.
Though the razor was sharp, it was more forgiving than I had anticipated and I didn't get any nicks or major razor burn. Splash might've stung a little more, but I might've overdone that a bit. I think I'll manage better when I pay more attention to the number of passes, angles and lather.

Thank you for reading this far. I'm pleased to make your acquintance and I hope to meet all you pleasant people here at SRP. I've enjoyed this forum very much, especially the good beginner guides and displays of great art in the workshop.

Welcome and sounds like you're doing great. Steve's a great guy to deal with isn't he?

Originally Posted by AlanII

Welcome and sounds like you're doing great. Steve's a great guy to deal with isn't he?

Thanks. Indeed he is.

Hi and Welcome to SRP,hope your shaving journey continues to greater shaves

Welcome to SRP Ursus! Thanks for posting your background. Looking forward to seeing those razors.

Great start! Sounds like you've already got a good collection there. I've only got one Eskilstuna. It's a Heljestrand, & absolutely beautiful!

Welcome onboard! It's always nice to get more members from Scandinavia.

Welcome and congrats on the shave!

it's great you know how to make a lather thats half the battle right there. Feel free to ask any questions you may have are members are incredibly knowledgeable and not just about razors.

Thanks for everyone for your welcomes. =)

Welcome to SRP. Congrats on beginning. Don't forget to enjoy the journey on the way to your destination. The process is why most people rank this as one of the highlights of every day.

Lewis