7 month milestone

[anejokid]

Just a word of encouragement to the other "new" straight shavers out there.

I am now on my 7th month of dedicated straight razor shaving. I've not used an electric or disposable for that long. All shaves, stropping, etc have been daily with my straight razor(s).

Only now am I seeing true noticeable improvements in my shaving techniques to where I can get a very close shave without any weepers or cuts. Now, saying this... I have had many, many shaves with no blood but I am now seeing truly close shaves on a daily basis rather than just once in a while.

I am also noticing a much sharper blade after stropping. I can maintain a blade for quite a while and keep it sharp using just a leather strop. I used to need a pasted strop to bring it up to sharp before, but I am not seeing the need for this any longer.

Why am I posting this... Because after daily usage (and 7 months) I am seeing myself start to show signs of really "getting it" and having A-HA moments. I suppose some people pick up much quicker than I did, but I thought that some people may wonder how long it will take to see measured improvement in their daily routine. Mine was 7 months of day-to-day use. What did I learn?

Improved shaving techniques
Proper lathering
Stropping technique
Shaving prep
After shave care

Here's to all of the other learning people and words of encouragement to keep you on your learning path and hopes to accumulate knowledge faster than I did.

Cheers!