Thread: New member.

Hey guys,
A few weeks ago I decided that I was really sick of buying Mach 3 cartridges and I remembered my friend once telling me about this amazing shave he had got with a straight razor in a barber shop. So, I began wondering about straight razor shaving and if it truly does give the closest possible shave. Initially, it was mostly just thinking and imaging how manly it would be to shave with a straight razor. After having spent the last few days scouring the internet and reading/watching a ridiculous amount about straight razor shaving--I was very surprised to find out how large a community there is for it--I have decided that I am definitely going to try it out.
I'm currently 21 years old and have been shaving for a long time. I have always grown a pretty thick beard. In early high school my friends always joked that I was the Gillette Man of the Year, chief reason being: didn't you just shave 5 minutes ago? Most disposable razors are 100% useless with my stubble. I have been using the Mach 3 for the past 4 years or so and can get a very close shave with it. Few passes with the grain, then a few against seems to get it quite smooth. The impossible areas are just under the jawline on either side of my face. No matter what, I cannot get those areas smooth.
I'm lazy, so I don't bother shaving everyday, at least I hadn't in the past. However, now that I have a girlfriend, I'm finding that in order to enjoy myself with her (I'll say no more), I have to shave daily. I honestly can't blame her for complaining if I don't because it really is like sandpaper the next day. In an effort to be economical I stretch those Mach 3 cartridges way too far as well, sometimes going a whole month on a single cartridge. Somehow I've figured out how to do that and not have a completely mutilated face. Nonetheless, practically every time I shave I get a few nicks that I just accept by now. Not to mention I've always used aerosol based shave creams, never tried soap with brushed on lather.
So, time for me try a straight razor for all the typical reasons! I think what I'm going to do, to avoid breaking my bank right off the bat is to buy one of the starter kits without a razor from thewellshavedgentleman.com and to get a properly honed, shave ready razor from one of the members here on the Buy/Sell/Trade forum ($0-$50) range. Anyway, sorry for the long post, just wanted to introduce myself properly. Any input/advice/comments/criticisms are welcome.

Scott

Welcome Scott. You are making the right choice. If you can control your desire to buy more and more razors this will actually be cheaper in the long run. Enjoy.

Get ready for some fabulous shaves Scott. I predict your GF will enjoy you even more!

X

Glad to see I'm going about this the right way then!

Scott

Welcome Scott! As a former Mach 3 user - for years - I now enjoy amazing shaves and can walk down the razor aisle in the store laughing to myself. You do have to be careful about RAD (Razor Acquisition Disorder/Disease)....that's where every sharp and shiny object you find gets your attention....


Get Lynn's CD and get shave-ready razor from one of the fine folks here on SRP (great prices too), a brush, a strop, some good soap from Colleen or MamaBear and a steady supply of hot water and you are on your way!

Once I got the hang of using a str8 (after 5-6 times before getting a respectable shave...all due to my skill, not the equipment), when I did get a BBS (bab-butt smooth) face, I was amazed....even around my jawline and under my chin were better than any time in the past.

I think you'll be amazed at how great your face feels and how long you stay smooth!

Again, welcome!



Greg

Nice! I'm excited.

Scott

You're definitely taking the right road as far as splitting the razor from the starter pack, good idea. Of course, once you get your technique down pat, like the rest of us you should be aware that you WILL succumb (eventually) to the RAD. It is just a fact of life, so accept it and move on. You will probably initially still have some difficulty with the your problem areas, they're the same problem areas for many of us as well. Don't get frustrated, just practice and practice, it will submit in time, and the members here are always ready to provide tips and motivation in equal parts. Heavily consider the purchase of Lynn's DVD, it is worth the money you will spend and more. I still go back to it once in awhile for info. Good hunting for you razor!