The Journey will soon begin...

Hi everyone,

My name is Rob and I live in Northern Virginia. The first time I considered straight razor shaving was probably 2 years ago. After I did some poking around and realized that there was quite a bit involved I thought it wasn't for me. I also thought that my best friend who lived in IL could probably get into it. Sure enough a year later I found out that he made the leap, I still wasn't convinced however. I have been seriously considering straight shaving now for the past couple of months and I have been lurking around the website before joining up. I'm starting to really understand more about wet shaving and have come to the point where I am ready to take the leap. [I'm even trying to sell a still sealed iPod Touch on Craigslist to get me started, if anyone is interested. ;-) ]

I've been using a Gillette Mach3 now for probably the last 10 years. I only shave twice a week, partly because I'm trying to extend the life of the cartridges because I'm cheap; and as such after the first or second shave it starts to pull the hair off my face. I'm 30 years old and have been battling acne since I was 14. It's better than it was but I still have to shave delicately on breakout areas sometimes. From what I have seen the benefit of straight shaving is that the multi-blade cartridges never fully dry and tend to store bacteria. If this really works out I will more than likely increase the number of times I shave in a week. I'm sure the wife wouldn't mind.

I would like to hook up with a mentor if anyone is willing.

I'm also married with two little kids, I work in IT and enjoying playing my PS3 and scale model building when I get the chance.

I look forward to meeting all of you.

Hi and welcome

I myself have only just started SR shaving using a shavette, i do have my first razor on order and can't wait.
You have defintely come to the right place, the guys on here are amazing and really helpful.

Wishing you good luck on the straight road.

Regards

Ritchie

Welcome to SRP,

I think that some acne is shaving related and that switching from cartridges t either a straight or DE will help, partly because its only 1 blade but mostly because you have to learn to shave without using pressure. Also a brush and lather seems to suit my skin better than canned foam or gel.

There is loads of info in the wiki and some great stuff in the stickies on in this forum. Have a browse of the videos on youtube and just get stuck in.

Before you buy a razor ask opinions on the forums we can't advise on price but can on quality and there are some very poor razors (or razor shaped objects) out there so beware.

Alas I am a little too far away to offer to pop round but maybe someone close to you will be along soon :)

Here is a list of SRP members with a location of "Virginia"

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=30

and "Va"

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=30

Some of the "Va" will be nevada.

Send them a PM to see if any one is in your area.

Hi Rob. I'm wouldn't be much of a mentor as I'm brand-new to all of this. But, I've recently started down the path with a Parker SR1 and now a new straight. I've got all the gear and I've been shaving with only the Parker and the straight for about 2 1/2 weeks now. I also live in NOVA, am in my 30s, work in IT and have kids :)

So, if you've got specific newb questions I may have come across the answers relatively recently and I'm happy to offer my input as well. Feel free to hit me up with PM any time.

Hey guys,

NOVA is a big area. There is a Virginia shaving group, the BBS Virginians, headed up by DIYGUY. We are planning the next Get-Together for March in Vienna. You'all are welcome out here (Stephens City) if you need help too.

Thanks a lot for all your replies, I look forward to shaving with you. :D I think it will help make the transition to SR a little less daunting. I live in Ashburn so heading into Vienna is no biggie, I'll have to find that group so I can sign up. I would like to buy a brush and cup this month and when the credit card rolls over pick up a razor and strop. I'll have to get your guy's opinion before moving on it.

Grabbing a brush, mug and some soaps sounds like an excellent start.... getting a good lather up is part of the process. Never too early to gain valuable experience in that area.

(And the sheer number of Northern Virginian-ers on this site really amazes me.)

Another plus for traditional wetshaving in general: every day you're scrubbing soap onto your face for a couple minutes (if you're using shaving soap). Even with shaving cream you're exfoliating, so that will help with getting rid of some acne.

I used to take care of my face somewhat, but since I started with wetshaving I've noticed I've been paying a lot more attention to it, and I feel like I'm cleaner and that my skin is healthier.