Started working on this 2 months ago. First a list of must haves. Topping the list a razor & strop. After a lot of research I ordered 2 strops from Tony @ the Heirloom Razor Strop company. One was a 3" plan vanilla "D" ring I bought for practice and later paste, the other a 3" artisan steer hide strop with handles and linen second strap (thanks Tony you were a big help and a pleasure to deal with). Next the razor. Checking the classifieds here twice a day. Bingo! Contacted Livio who sold me a gorgeous 13/16 half hollow vintage Marple Bee Hive Sheffield razor. What a beauty. Perfect condition and shave ready. Besides selling me the blade Livio has been patiently offering help and suggestions along the way (Livio you were a pleasure to deal with, thanks for all your kindness).

Today was the day. First the prep . Stropped the blade, lathered up & jumped right in. Mostly followed the techniques you can find here and on line but at times I had to find my own way. Went slow and steady. No extra pressure just let the razor do the work. Against most advice I did my whole beard (I'm crazy that way).

Results: 2 or 3 very small areas missed, one small nick on the end of my chin, minor mark on the practice strop (glad I bought it), a shave already as close as my Mach 4, and one big grin on my dumb ass face (no pics ... you don't want to see a grown man quiver and shake). This is going to be a lot of fun

My new toy.

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