Quote Originally Posted by JBHoren View Post
OK, I've been shaving with a straight razor for more than a year... about six years, truth be told. Here's what's changed for me:

  1. No more Acquisition Disorders. Been there, done that... moved on.
  2. I've learned what I like and what I don't like. 5/8"-6/8" 1/4-hollow|(near-)wedge Sheffield steel, jimps top-and-bottom, no etchings/washes, spine work, or fancy/figural scales.
  3. My shaving technique is "dialed-in". I know how to prep my beard, how to raise a good lather (cream/soap, mug/"mug"), how to shave my face (direction, passes, which strokes where).

If I had any advice to give, it would be:

  • Do not invest in any hones: no diamond plates, no natural or synthetic stones.
  • Do invest in (a) sending all razors out for professional honing; and (b) acquiring a modular strop (sprayed/pasted felt and leather) for maintaining blade edges.

DUDE - You are killing me LOL!! Honing has turned into one of my greatest pastimes .

I feel you though. I just couldn't do it!