The great experiment

[Haroldg48]

I thought I’d start a thread talking about my challenges and experiences over the last two plus years, and carry it on into 2016, hoping that somebody might recognize their own journey or a beginner might get a different view of what to do and what not to do. I am at about 700 or so SR shaves and I began with a razor I bought in the early 80s (because I always like sharp things) at a mall Hoffritz store. No coaching, no internet, maybe a little pamphlet and a 14 inch strop. It is a 5/8 full hollow and I got about 15 “shaves” before I gave up.


Enter 2013 and I find it in a gun safe, pull it out, search the internet and find SRP. Since June 2013, I’ve acquired and tried the usual new ones : 2 R. Austs, a Dovo, a Boker a Robert Williams, as well as 4 or 5 strops and too many soaps and creams to count easily, as well as a few brushes including one great custom from Pixelfixed. All the razors were fine or at least were ok, but only the Williams was close to great and I decided to go vintage. Got a great 5/8 from Gssixgun, but was starting to think I liked larger blades, and after commenting on the forum some, I aroused the interest of an SRP mentor, Sharptonn, who exposed me to a few big, different vintage blades to try. He has been very generous to me with his advice, assistance and support, as have all the mentors.


About a month or two ago, Sharptonn, I guess being tired of my whining and stalking of the “Butchered” thread suggested that he was going to send me a package, and lo and behold a “trial” sample of a 7 day rotation showed up, and I agreed to try each one to really learn and zero in on what I liked best. A picture (his picture) of what he sent me is below, and I have been shaving with the rotation for about 2 weeks. My plan is to relate my experience with each, in the hopes that somebody will learn from, or offer advice about my experiment, which I couldn’t have without SRP and especially Tom. My promise to Tom is that I won’t roll them up and leave the country with no forwarding address. Y’all (as we say in NC) may recognize some of them from his posts.


That's the introduction; tomorrow, I’ll start on the story about my experiences with each razor.


Hope you’ll follow and enjoy!

[Razorfeld]

Kudos to Tom for stepping up and widening SRP's appeal.

[Phrank]

Thanks for sharing - great story!

Geez - Tom really stepped up, that is a beautiful set of razors to experiment with - this forum is a better place with gentleman like Tom.

[sharptonn]

Cool, Harold! Good to share this

Harold is a great guy, a good man. We talk razors often and it was a thought I had to send him a pretty good variety of vintage razors, different sizes, grinds, scale materials so he can see what types he prefers and what the differences are in shaving technique and so forth. I insisted he roll with them for a good while and get to know them.

He has done a 'spreadsheet' with his experiences and it does seem that (possibly) some which were hard to use are getting better for him as he goes. Interesting sport!
Funny, it seems as he has recently acquired some MDC, his shaves are somewhat 'better'!

[MikeB52]

Very nice idea, and props Tom for putting the kit together.
Should make for some great reading Harold. I look forward to your musings.
Thanks for sharing.

[jfk742]

Can't wait to see what comes of the thread, Harold.

This is the only forum I'm apart of that hasn't been ruined by trolls and free loaders. Keep up the good work guys! Tom your a class act.

[Substance]

Awesome stuff look forward to seeing the results of your experiences
+1 Tom is definitely a true gentleman and an inspiration of SRP and our fine sport in general

[neehooya]

Thanks Harold for willing to share your experience, much appreciated. Btw this is one bitchin' set of SRs.

[Haroldg48]

Thanks Harold for willing to share your experience, much appreciated. Btw this is one bitchin' set of SRs.

yes it is and you're welcome...should be fun!

[sharptonn]

Can't wait to see what comes of the thread, Harold.

This is the only forum I'm apart of that hasn't been ruined by trolls and free loaders. Keep up the good work guys! Tom your a class act.

We are lucky to have an outstanding bunch of moderators here and a system which negates these problems as they arise.
You all know who you are! A chance to thank the mods for what they do!
Thank You as well.