Thread: Were I to start over...

1 - Introduction:
Hi! I am Jerry, and I have been using a straight for about 1 1/2 years. I am hooked and can never stop.

2 - Pre-Shave / Creams / Soaps / the Brush / Post Shave:
I can add as much to this ritual as I have time to enjoy or I can just wet my face with the brush (hot water) and hit the puck for face lathering. The later is mostly what I do every morning before work. I finish with an after shave and no cologne or an after lotion and cologne. I have 5 brushes in rotation, all in different sizes. 2 horse and 3 badger. I gave boar a try but I get enough scritchy from a black or grey badger thank you.

I always liked Alcohol but…I never drink and shave :<0)

3 - The Shave using a Straight (or DE):
I have 2 DEs I tried but never use which came in a lot of brushes and stuff. My start was typical I guess and I don't think I could have done much better. A few kitty scratches in the beginning from not paying attention or being in a hurry. I have gotten so used to using a straight that I have to be careful on those mornings I wake up a little late and get all hurried. If I don't have a chat with myself in the mirror when I start the razor will remind me to slow down within 3 or 4 strokes on the cheek. I get more " Oh that could of- should of hurt" instances than I do cuts.

4- Stropping: I had some latigo and made a paddle then a piece of horse hide and an old linen strap off a vintage strop on a paddle I made. Got used to it , it works , haven't had a desire to change yet. And I do have a horse butt hide and enough leather to make a saddle or 2. latigo and natural tanned.

5 - Maintaining a Straights Edge: I have mostly used the strop to maintain all my edges but given the amount of razors I own that is not bragging. See Honing:

6 - Honing: I started off with an edge Glen put on a Duck for me. While I waited I bought a 4/8 Norton and practiced on a few others I had. I then got a king 250/1k and started buying and using more razors. I was very content with that set up for a year and then I went back over all the razors (cept 1) on a new 12k nani. 4 months later I went over them all again with a new Zulu Grey. I think that will be the end of the hone story for a long time. I can do whatever I want on that set. I may have RAD so bad I can't catch the rest of the ADs. Oh.... except if there is one for shop stuff :<0) read on....

7 - Conclusion:
I wouldn't change a thing. I learned with each mistake and taking the advice and learning what I needed along the way in SRP has led me to a being a happy shaving guy.

8 - Other: Now along the way I have restored razors, brushes and made a few strops. I have acquired/built some toys in the shop. I have a few RSOs laying on the bench and when finished that should (in Darth 's voice) "Complete my training". Then I will rule the galaxy.

Wow all that from deciding to use a straight? I am having fun,,,,what can I say.