Thread: New to straight shaving, hi!

Hi all,

This is my first post here after being bitten by the straight shaving bug a few weeks ago. I must admit it has been something that I have wanted to do for some time and have been putting it off due to the fact that I didn't have comprehensive information to hand .. well not until I came across Lynn's straight razor demo on Google which led me here. So thanks Lynn!

A week or so ago I ordered a honed Walter Eigenbrod from John Crowley (very happy with the goods and service by the way), who put the razor in ship-shape for me, as well as an heirloom strop.

I also spent *cough* a bit more than I should have done on other products including Trumpers Coral Skin Food, plus their Sandalwood and Limes creams. I am guessing that these are the first stages of what you refer to as RAD ?

I won't mention what I ordered today just yet either

Although I didn't shave with the straight today, I did have a play at lathering up using Joel's guides found elsewhere on this site and I have to say that I found the guides very useful so thanks to Joel, cheers! It is surprising how something that seems so relatively simple can be so hard to do properly when it comes right down to it.

It took me 4 attempts to get anything approaching a half decent lather but the final one was reasonable I think and I am sure I still have a long way to go. Still, patience makes perfect as they say.

I'd like to express my gratitude to the people who have shared their information so openly on SRP, I have learned so much over the last few weeks, without this information I doubt that I would have come this far, so thanks to you all.

I look forward to spending time here and learning more about the art of straight shaving and its associated subjects from the many knowledgable people on the forums and hope that I will be able to contribute in some way in the future.

Best wishes to all.

Steve.

You're making giant steps. From Lynn's CD to Tony's strops and beyond you're making excellent choices and taking firm actions. You only stand to progress rapidly and painlessly if you keep it up. It's a perfect example of how the information and communication at a this site is helpful. Thanks for sharing, welcome to the fold and please keep us posted.

X

Welcome aboard. It's refreshing to see a newb educate himself and acquire proper gear before plunging in

Steve,

Welcome to the forum and this very addictive
disease know as straight razor shaving.


Terry

Welcome, Steve! As a newb to newb, be careful with the first shaves.

I also would like to say a few words on RAD, as you mention it. It would probably be a good idea to have a monthly budget of your absolutely crazy amount you are able to spend on razors and related stuff. Still, this is not enough. In order for this to work - give it to your wife. This will ensure that you won't spend double or tripple that.

Well, or you'll be forced to lie to her...

And if you don't like this idea (which I suspect few would) - you might just as well resign and enjoy the ride

Cheers
Ivo

Thanks for the advice guys, I can see the road ahead being slightly 'bumpy' with a few sharp turns/nicks!

Not that the incidental "damage" worries me in the slightest .. seems like a lot of fun taking the road to a top quality shave, which is what I am aiming for.

Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

P.S.: Can still smell the coral food and Tabac, think I will head off to grab that malt now

Excellent choice in Vendor, razor and strop (especially the strop, if I do say so myself <g>).

Welcome to the family now!

Tony Miller

Not much to say accept your in the right place to research straights, which sounds like you have done some, and with this bunch here you will never stop learning about something. Welcome aboard.

Congrats! Sounds like your plugging away nicely. My foolproof method for making lather is to:

Heat the bowl and brush in hot water, about 1 minute.

Pull bowl out and knock out as much water as you can from the brush, banging my hand with the brush on the side of the sink and flicking it.

Add lather in any amount to the bowl (about an almond size is usually fine)

Then begin mixing with the "moist" brush

Dip the brush tips about 1/2 inch into the sink water (yes, with some lather on it) then continue swirling, about 15 times.

Look into the bowl and see how things are progressing

Repeat brush dip and 15 swirls (or 5 or 10) until you add just the right amount of water and at that moment the cream will "explode" on you and lather will start flying out of the bowl.

Obviously, this procedure will work with any cream consistency and any amount as your using the brush to grab a little water at a time and add it to the cream.

You'll also never waste an ounce of precious cream!


Have fun!

Welcome! Enjoy the experience. And it seems like you're well on your way, having educated yourself before going out and getting what you needed for a great shave.

Good luck.