Thread: Newbie saying hi

Hi folks,

I've posted a few times on here already but haven't introduced myself as yet, I couldn't see a newbies introduction forum so apologies if I've posted this in the wrong place.

I started off DE shaving about 6 weeks ago after being horrified with the price and quality of shaves I was getting from Gillettes latest and greatest razor - the Fusion. After trawling the internet for information on proper shaving methods, I stumbled across B&B where I've been happily soaking up the friendly atmosphere and reams of knowledge on offer. I have accumulated 2 Gillette Superspeeds and a Merkur Slantbar, my current favourite razor is the Slantbar which is my daily shave now.

Recently, I've become interested in trying straight razors and have naturally been reading all the threads here. I've also read Dr Moss's straight shaving guide, and most of the files in the SRP files section. I watched Lynn's Google video several times then ordered his DVD, which I thought was superb.

After a lot of um-ing and ah-ing, I ordered a Dovo Bismarck and best beirloom hanging strop from Tony Miller - which are great. I think I managed to screw up the edge of my Bismarck (sorry Tony) with my first ham fisted stropping attempt, using way too much pressure than I should. With my first shave it dragged badly and was not nice at all.

So after watching Lynn's DVD, I ordered a Norton 4K/8k stone and a Kimberly barber stone from Tilly. The Norton arrived the other day and after lapping it I did a gentle pyramid hone to bring back the edge. This seemed to work and I managed a couple of shaves which looked presentable enough to go to work, but weren't BBS (or even close to BBS). I'm sure the razor edge could be improved from where it's at now, but I'm still very new at this game so I'm trying to take it steady.

I did manage to cut myself a few times but I guess that's part of the learning curve!

I also bought a very worn Bengall 4/8 spike point on Ebay for £3.19, really just for honing practice so I don't wear out my new Dovo. I used some lapped 600 and 1K grit Japanese waterstones whichI had already, and then the Norton 4K/8K to bring back the edge. It still has a small nick in it but it actually shaves ok now - so I must be doing something at least partly right. It was as blunt as a steel ruler before I started! It has a horrendous amount of spine wear but it's really just for practice so it's no big deal.

I had the urge to to buy another (old but good quality) razor this week and eventually went for the 7/8 Dubl Duck Satinedge which Joe was selling, I can't wait to see and try out this razor. I have quite heavy stubble so I'm hoping this will be perfect for me.

ISince live in the UK so I decided to book a 2 hour straight shaving lesson at Trumpers in London this coming Friday. Apparently it's a 2 hour one to one session covering all aspects of straight razor shaving. I'm taking the day off work and am really looking forward to it, so I'll report back afterwards on how it went.

Cheers,

Iwan

Welcom Iwan. I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience. Look forward to a report on your Trumper lesson!

Jordan

Welcome Iwan. A word of advice: take out the nick! Shaving with a nicked blade is a big

Ah ok, I'll see if I can get the nick out before trying to shave with it again - though I suspect I'll be left with a 2/8 razor if I manage to get it out.

A 2/8 always beats a bunch of scars on your face

Welcome Iwan. I am soo jealous of your peronal lesson at Trumpers and the 7/8 Satinedge you picked up from Joe. It looks like you are off to a running start. I am pretty new here as well, and I am really enjoying the community.

Thanks guys. I guess I'm lucky living not too far from Trumpers, I looked around for any barbers who do lessons and they were the only one I could find in the UK (so far). Someone on B&B took this lesson and they thought it was well worth the money, besides I need a day off work so it'll be a nice day out for me anyway.

I'd really love to master the art of straight razor shaving, it's one of those things that's almost died out in mainstream life so it's like re-living a bit of history.

Welcome!

You are coming up the learning curve very fast - already honing with a Norton combo and a 7/8 Satinedge is just great! I went to Joe's site today to loot at the Duck again and was wondering who got it first. PM me if you decide it's not for you.

By the way, not sure what the Kimberly will do for you, I thought it's med / fine stone, the 8k Norton is good for that by itself

Cheers
Ivo

Welcome to the board! I for one am glad to see that you weren't afraid of honing - bully for you! And I'd be very interested in hearing how the Trumpers lesson goes.

Welcome mate,

You can't go wrong with the advice put out by these guys