Thread: What phase are you in ??

Originally Posted by wopmanfixit

If I could find a 7 day set of Pumsa in mint condition I would, most likely, never buy another razor.

My sentiments exactly

Well, I think I've been through all the phases. First it was just get the bare minimum then well seven razors would be cool then a sample of all the legendary greats, then some new ones, then the damascus, then various mugs and strops and hones and on it went.

At this point unless something really special comes along I'm just enjoying all my gear now.

A large part of why I'm interested in straight razors has to do with their history; so when I started persuing this hobby in mid August, I didn't head over to ClassicShaving.com with my credit card to get all the must-haves, but started hunting around for bargains.

I knew I wasn't going to tackle honing right away, so to ensure I got myself a shave-ready razor, the first one came from Lynn. But actually, before it arrived, I picked up a nice looking Wade and Butcher from an antique store. Soon after, I got a 6/8 W&B meat chopper for like, 9 bucks from another antique dealer. Three or four Ebay razors at good prices followed.

After mastering my shaving technique, I got the Norton hone. Then the antique oak medicine cabinet to store everything (since I knew this was going to be a permanent hobby).

At this point, I still don't have all the frills. My strop is a thick leather belt from a thrift store (it's great quality leather, and just the right size, since it was obviously made for a child), and my brush is a cheap Wilkenson Sword one from Wal-Mart. Same goes for my shaving cream (the German stuff in the tube). I don't need anything else, but I'm definitely going to buy the good stuff in time. Heh.

I'm still in the learning phase. I got my first straight from Lynn and a couple from Tony. I'm starting to buy hones and looking for good buys and local shops to bring them back to shave ready status.

I went from a Mach3 to DE to Straights in about two months. I've had fairly good success going to the striaight, without any serious injury. After a few months I'm now getting very good shaves. Some days are better than others, but overall I'm very happy with the experience.

I am starting to slow down in buying things like soaps/creams/scents. I was buying like crazy and then realized I have few years worth now. I'm running out of room to store all this stuff!

Like some others have mentioned, I started by buying inexpensive, but good, razors from the masters to make sure it was something that I wanted to pursue. Now that I'm hooked, I'm wanting to find a handful (we can argue how big that is!) of good razors to just keep in the rotation.

It's a great hobby and I'm really enjoying myself.

Thanks for the great advice.

What a great thread. I've been using an electric razor for years (can I even mention that on this forum?) because with Mach 3 type razors I got a nice shave but got all cut up and razor burned which meant I couldn't shave again for another day or two. So, now that I'm going to try the straight razor, I'm in the learning and collecting phase. I'm gonna get a basic starter set from Tony and some basic supplies from Ray and then perfect my shaving technique. After watching Lynn's and Brian Donofrio's videos, I've got a pretty good idea on how to get started. I gotta learn more before I go on the eBay acquisition frenzy, but the urge is already nipping at me.

My Girlfriend summed it up on Friday night I think - she mentioned that the second I pick up a razor and a hone or the mention of shaving my eyes light up - hooked in under 2 months .. I started buying one of the ebay 'aviod at all costs 'rockwell razor and strop .. from there I bought a lovely 5/8 Dovo with bone handles not knowing it wasn't shave ready - From there I bought a Carborundum hone off ebay . Purchased a x2 set of lovley little razors which say 'more sharper than your sword ' off ebay in a leather case for under 12uk pounds . While awaiting my Tilly hones and shave ready Dovo from Tony I bought a Norton 4/8k from Axel who was selling . An awesome 7/8 Bartmann solingen ( I couldn't resist the gold finishing ) this came shave ready also . The usual various creams and soaps and badger brush from taylors -- and I'm presently chasing a 6/8 on ebay and I have my eye on the first razor I was going to buy but ther was a 3 month wait .An ebony handle 6/8 Dovo . .. not bad for 2 months

Originally Posted by Garry

. .. not bad for 2 months

Garry,
Some might say that at two months...THAT'S NOT GOOD .

I, however, would not be one to talk . Here's hoping that you continue to enjoy our wonderful obsession.
Ed

Garry,

I proudly welcome you to Razors Anonymous sometimes called RA . It is one fine addiction. I have only been doing it for a little over a year and zI already have 15 razors. My wife is not quite as happy about it as your girlfriend seems to be. Oh well.

At the end of the day .. my smooth well kept face is for her pleasure .

Originally Posted by RichZ

Garry,

I proudly welcome you to Razors Anonymous sometimes called RA . It is one fine addiction. I have only been doing it for a little over a year and zI already have 15 razors. My wife is not quite as happy about it as your girlfriend seems to be. Oh well.

Rich,
I wish I had your restraint. I'm going on three months and the razor count is at 21, with one more on the way. My only consolation is that my average cost per razor is about $10. I just had my third brush delivered today, a Vulfix 2235, and have about a years worth of creams on hand. There are still so many things to buy... but how to escape the wifes wrath Which way to that 12 step program???
Ed