2 months in

There are so many aspects to this hobby that anyone of them will effect the others. After several attempts at honing my 4/8ths Wright & Wilhelmy i got it to shave pretty good. There was some irritation so I started looking at my lather. The lather would dry as i was shaving so it was time to work on lathering. After some help here I got that figured out. It is know slick and holds up really good. The irritation was still there but not as bad so a step in the right direction. About a month ago i picked up this Wade & Butcher for $7.
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Tuesday I had sometime and cleaned it up and honed it just to see. It felt so much different then the Wright & Wilhelmy. It didnt shave as close but was so much smoother on my face. Wednesday I took it to the hone again. All I can say is WOW the closest and smoothest shave to date. When all things come together str8 shaves can be a wonderful thing. Still have a few spots I need to hone my technique on but for know DFS is good for me.

When it all comes together it will be a very wonderful thing. 7$ for the W&B bow is a great deal. Congrats on both the razor and the achievement.

Congratulations on several fronts. First, on your great shave. Wade and Butchers are known for their smoothness. Second, on honing your own razors. To already be competent to get a razor shave ready is great. Third, you have obviously learned how to make good lather.

I like the way you confront each issue and then solve it. Good for you!

Happy Shaving!

thanks to both of you. I just figure that sooner or later you need to learn so I went for it from the start. Back when that W & B was made and first used they didnt have pre-shave oils and hot running water. So if I am going to use a str8 I want to have the same experience as they had. I do a cold pre-shave and a very thick yet slick lather. As my technique becomes better so will my shaves. I look forward to every shave as before it worse than a poke in the eye with a hot poker.

Jeff

Jeff,
I really think that you should send that razor to me for a second opinion.
Seriously though, congratulations on enjoying the ride on the straight shaving learning curve.
I'll be honing up my Wade & Butcher in the next few days, after I make the bone scales for it and am looking forward to seeing how it shaves.
From what you have said I shouldn't be disappointed.
Geoff (the correct way to spell it...hehehe)