Thread: Introductions, May Giveaway & More...

Well, it's time to introduce myself and say a big THANKYOU once again to those involved in the May Giveaway (2nd prize)

Have read a variety of posts around the site: introductions, nicknames, username origins, razors, strops, hones and so much more. Really enjoy the site.

I'm a Paramedic from Wellington, New Zealand. Have been bearded since leaving school hence my nickname - Fuzzy.

Last year I did some training that involved BA (fire service breathing apparatus) and powered respirators and the beard had to be altered. Decided on a goatee and figured if was going to partially shave on a regular basis then I wanted to try straights. Had a short (pre-str8) trial of being clean shaven but the family didn't approve and I didn't enjoy the experience after 20 years of being bearded.

The removal of the beard was done by the only local barber who does a hot shave using a disposable blade straight. Not sure if it was the fact that my face wasn't used to it, but his "professional" job was less comfortable and less smooth than my subsequent attempt with a straight.

I tracked down grandad's old TR Cadman Bengall and sent it to the local knife shop for a sharpen. They have a guy in head office who does them and it came back sharp enough to do the job. Brought a cheap boar bristle brush and a puck of soap and I was ready to go. Been at it for about 4 months now, with the occasional nick and loving the experience.

Got a strop made at a local leather goods store and have done the typical newbie butchering of it. Have now brought a second hand, double sided strop. One side is carborundum for sharpening and the finishing side has some surface crazing. Have given it a small lather treatment and am just rubbing it by hand regularly.

Today I received my May Giveaway prize.

Much excitement and interest in seeing how a proper "shave ready" razor compares to mine.
The badger brush feels amazing and I can't wait to lather up.

Have decided that since there are so many new variables, I will take my time and see how the new brush works with the old soap first - then move on to the new soap to find the best lather before comparing the razors.

Have taken a few pics of the old and the new.
Any advice on the strop would be greatly appreciated.

Updates to follow.

Welcome!

It sounds like you are off to a great start, and you certainly have some good kit there to be getting on with..! Hope you enjoy it!

If you havent already, check the Wiki and other articles in my sig line as they will really help you on your way.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Got to try out the new brush this morning. Much softer and covers miles more face when lathering.

The badger is certainly a noticelable improvement over the boar with a lighter/smoother lather. Will take a little practice again as it builds it's lather differently. May have to try a scuttle type arrangement as so far I just build the lather directly onto the face - it's a bit messier with the bigger brush.

Have been using a handmade "boutique" type soap. Tomorrow will try out the new soap and see how a more established commercial one compares.

And so the experiment continues...

Better lather with the new brush & soap. Have moved on to building in a mug rather than on the face as the brush is so much bigger than my old one.

First shave with the new razor last night before a night shift and not a drop of blood to be seen. Whether this is because of improved lather or paranoia over a different razor that I knew was "shave ready" remains to be seen.

Stropped my old razor this morning and muscle memory seems to have arrived. Maybe this is the case with the shave too. Was looking looking forward to my evening shave before work but slept too well and didn't get the opportunity. This in itself is not a problem as one shave will suffice for two days - but I was really looking forward to shaving again!

Am now finding the process of shaving to be relaxing and enjoyable, rather than merely a necessity. The creation of the lather and the necessary relaxation and focus of the str8 shave has become something to look forward to. Hopefully zen approaches.

No need to shave tomorrow as I am on my days off - but I just may do it anyway because I can. Will make sure I'm properly rested first as I wouldn't want to do anything that I might regret while under the influence of a night shift.

looks like you're a stayer
I remember the first time i used a badger in stead of a boar( just a few weeks back) and how different it was

keep on the good work

regards
Stijn

Originally Posted by nzFuzzy

And so the experiment continues...

Better lather with the new brush & soap. Have moved on to building in a mug rather than on the face as the brush is so much bigger than my old one.

First shave with the new razor last night before a night shift and not a drop of blood to be seen. Whether this is because of improved lather or paranoia over a different razor that I knew was "shave ready" remains to be seen.

Stropped my old razor this morning and muscle memory seems to have arrived. Maybe this is the case with the shave too. Was looking looking forward to my evening shave before work but slept too well and didn't get the opportunity. This in itself is not a problem as one shave will suffice for two days - but I was really looking forward to shaving again!

Am now finding the process of shaving to be relaxing and enjoyable, rather than merely a necessity. The creation of the lather and the necessary relaxation and focus of the str8 shave has become something to look forward to. Hopefully zen approaches.

No need to shave tomorrow as I am on my days off - but I just may do it anyway because I can. Will make sure I'm properly rested first as I wouldn't want to do anything that I might regret while under the influence of a night shift.

nzFuzzy,

Sounds like we are on the same page. My shave process is as much about slowing down and relaxing as it is about shaving.
It's the same reason I use a stove-top (Bialetti) espresso maker each morning instead of instant coffee or have an instant espresso machine where all you do is push a button. It's also why I use a traditional charcoal/wood BBQ instead of gas.
The good things in life take a bit more effort and time.

Great read! Its nice that a new shaver won one of the prizes, and can make a comparison like this.