First and Questions!

[whiteweazel]

Hello!

My name is Michael (I usually go by my nickname Misiu), 24, from Boston. Anyhow, I do have a few questions and thought I would look for help in these great forums.

1st post: background shaving information
2nd post: the shave
3rd post questions

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Background shaving information:

For the most part I have been shaving with a Panasonic Electric. I've mingled with disposables (aka the 3 and 4 blade monstrosities as you guys like to call), but overall I haven't really enjoyed them all too much. For the occasional "closer" shave I've gone with the Panasonic and finished with the disposable for an ok shave. The majority of my shaves to this point have been just using the trimming attachment on the electric. I found this way to be the quickest and most efficient way to shave comfortably, albeit with a consistent look of not having shaven for 2-3 days

Anyhow, I've been meaning to clean up my image so to speak, going for a cleaner look. This is of course after reading so much about the legendary BBS shave that I've both, still yet to experience, and look forward to one day.

For about the past month, while waiting for my straight razor and then strop to arrive I've been practicing lathering with a small travel brush and a Schick Quattro (which I absolutely HATE and am glad to be moving on at this point). The reasoning for the Schick was simply to give my skin time to adjust to a razor as well as mapping out my face and practising both XTG and ATG strokes. Since getting my razor I've been practicing grips, razor flipping (stropping), and air runs over my face. About a week ago I recieved my strop and I'm lead to believe that I am doing very well!

So today I decided to go get my razor sharpened at a local straight razor shop, Stoddard's in Newton MA. I was under the impression that the razor was not sharpened, but was informed otherwise, that in fact it was sharp and shave ready (after being inspected and running some hair tests).

Wow, I was shocked. Because I had been totally "manhandling" that razor, even going as far as running my finger on the edge to get a sense of how sharp a "non-sharpened" razor was. I suppose I am lucky, because thinking it wasn't sharp, I was able to hold it relaxed but firm, without any worries or fears. In fact, I am not scared of my straight razor at all (with respect of course)!

Secondly, as the gentleman was examing the razor, he noted that it was very clean and the edge very straight, well stropped. Having mentioned that I was new to straight razors and hadn't shaved with the razor I brought in, he asked, "Who stropped this for you?"
(HELL YEA!!!)
The above being how I felt inside, I managed to maintain my composure and not burst out grinning. I told the gentlman that it was in fact I who stropped it, and had been practicing for the last week! I was very proud!

After giving me a complimentary few passes on a 15K grit finishing stone for polishing, I was on my way home!