Thread: My small material contribution

My only regret is that I couldn't give something to everyone who signed up as every candidate had something going for him. Steve -- initiative and generosity, Pat -- family ties to the community, Kelly already made a commitment by buying the gear and Dave already shared some of his transferrable skills (from DE). Fortunately a random number generator based on atmospheric interference absolved me of having to choose lol.

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on my progress, including the blood letting. I'm sure I'll have lots of dumb questions to ask.

That generally happens only with dull blades. For now, download Lynn's shaving video from the Help Files to get a good primer on a straight shave.

Update. I took my new acquisitions to the 1000-grit sandpaper and then the hones (the giveaway pieces and the Belgrade). Here are the results so far:
1) Belgrade -- Disappointing... The bevel is uneven and I can't get it to feel even remotely sharp. Getting worried about that razor.
2) Hamburg Ring -- Sharpening quite nicely and it's easier than I expected. It should be shave ready by tomorrow evening.
3) Sprock -- Easy to hone as well, but that's not surprising. Like HR it will just require a little bit of fine work tomorrow.

Dave, you might just wanna flip a coin lol. Both HR and Sprock are turning out to be real peaches.

I'm still debating. It's in my nature to agonise over decisions.
Anyway, how do you propose I take possession? I work in Toronto, live in Oakville. I'm willing to pick it up. It would be nice to shake the hand of the person who gave me my first straight.
Let me know.

It would be best to swing by on your way back from work. I'm in Etobicoke, just off the Gardiner/QEW. Hang on until I get both of them shave ready and tested. Getting the new furnace built in so the house will be warm enough for honing (I hate working with water when it's cold) for the first time since early September lol. It would also be a good opportunity for you to bring that Tonsorial so I can give you a honing lesson.

Sounds good to me. Let me know when you're ready. If it's this week, than Thursday is the only day I can't make it. Also I haven't received the Tonsorial yet. But if I have it when we meet I'll bring it. The lesson will be much appreciated.

I just ordered my first feather artist, but its really nice to know there are pro's on the site who are willing to help us newcomers out!

Well, I wouldn't call myself a pro, but I can eventually get a blade to shave properly. That's what I'm doing right now. I found several shorter sessions are more productive than one long session, so I'm just taking my time and slowly making progress. Even the Belgrade is getting close.