another newbie im afraid

just thought id take the time to introduce myself, i'm phil, a student in york and i've recently been given my first straight razor after wanting one for years and its brilliant.
well the razor itself isnt anything special but it shaves nicely and once i get used to it a bit more i think i'll have to start investing in some nice ones... especially after looking through pictures of some on here.

first shave was on christmas day, stropping was no problem and ive been shaving with proper lather and my badger brush for years so that went pretty well. inevitably i did nick myself that morning but not since which i suppose is a plus. despite a little blood i did get a brilliant shave. its a great start to my day now despite having to get up a bit earlier to get my face presentable.

Welcome to the SRP !!!!!!!! Plenty of info here for sure. You will be going through the learning curve just like the rest of us. Just ask questions and you will get great answers.ENJOY

Welcome aboard! Remember that you're shaving with a new piece of equipment and using new techniques, so it's bound to take some time. When I made my first SR shave 6 weeks ago, my face looked like a freshly carved standing rib roast. Now, after much practice and studying, I have mastered the WTG and XTG passes and can get a respectable shave. As far as your razor is concerned, just be sure that it's been properly honed. A daily stropping will keep it in shave ready condition.

Welcome to your new obsession!

Welcome to SRP! Sounds like you're off to a fantastic start with your first few shaves. It only gets better! :)

Welcome to SRP!

Glad to hear that you are off to such a great start. be sure to give the wiki and Lynn's beginner tips a read - they are very helpful and chock-full of information. What type of razor were you given?

Welcome to SRP. Enjoy.

well its a solingen blade, apart from the i have no idea, got it as a present from my mum who has a friend in germany who uses them, so she got him to get me everything i'd need for a reasonable price. blade is 5.8 1/2 hollow grind with ebony handle. also got the leather strop but im trying to find a new longer one as this one is pretty short and is really bugging me when stropping.

Welcome to SRP. I hope you enjoy your new found love.