If any new guys (like me) are reading this, please study this site, ask questions, ask questions again, and again, and buy quality goods. You will not be sorry. The guys on this site are very patient and expert.
I tried to do it on the cheap (replaceable blade type straight razors) and was immediately sorry. I shaved but my experience up to this point was...shall I say...not satisfactory and a bit bloody. I am sure that there are people who do fine with it...but not me. They were scary sharp and not at all smooth. But when dull enough not to carve me up...they were poor shavers. I would replace the blade and start all over again. "SHUDDER".
I finally bought a quality razor and discovered what this site was all about...real...straight razor shaving.
I ordered my razor and it came shave ready...SHARP. But when I put blade to face it was smoother than anything I have ever felt. No pull, no razor burn. The only blood I had was when I sneezed with the blade against my skin (darn cat and not recommended). My fault...I know...my fault. Note to self...pull blade away from face when not actually shaving.
I finished with the best shave I ever had. I thought I would have to use my Mach 3 to finish. Nope...very smooth. With only one pass with the grain. It was...well...GREAT. I only had just the one cut on the point of my chin as described from above
Seriously...listen to the experts on this site, ask questions and you will love straight razor shaving like me. It is very luxurious and relaxing. Like getting a great massage.
Get a good razor, a good strop, brush and soap or cream. You will not be sorry. It makes all the difference in the world when it comes to shaving. It doesn't have to break the bank...prices are very reasonable if you look at the vendors here. You will not be sorry.
By the way, that first shave was today...totally awesome.
I am a huge fan of this site and the knowledge base that can be accessed.
Good luck and best regards,
Johan
