Introductions, May Giveaway & More...

[nzFuzzy]

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.