Thread: Hello from a new member

Hello all

I want to introduce myself as I joined recently after lurking around for a while.

Currently a fairly satisfied Merkur DE user, but looking to take it to the next level. I have been fascinated with straight razors for several years, and finally decided to take the plunge.

Taking to heart advice from this site I have already purchased an entry shave-ready straight from JC, got outsniped on a TI on ebay, and sniped a WKC (it seemed like a nice one) yesterday. Still nothing in my hands but can't wait to get the shipments

Cheers

I'm still pretty new to this myself, but I can already attest to its addicting quality. I've found the guys on this site nothing but helpful and encouraging. The best sort, really. Stick around, and let us know how your first shaves go.

Dan

Welcome Izlat....or should I say welcome to the dark side lol. I started out pretty much the way you did as far as progressing from a DE. SR shaving is very addictive so Im sure before long you will own a few different razors, soaps, creams, etc. but I am sure you will enjoy all of it

Best of luck!

Welcome to the insane world of straight shaving.
Don't forget a strop. www.thewellshavedgentleman.com
This is the site of forum member Tony Miller. He is going
to be on vacation for the next few days though. There is
a thread announcing it under Vendors Corner that gives
the dates.

Do let us know how your first shave goes. I'm sure that
it will go well.


Terry

thank you for the welcomes - yes, it is very addictive!

As for a strop: I am positive my grandfather used his military issue simple leather belt on the front and when he came back he just continued this practice. He was also using an insanely rough hone, and sometimes just water. I don't remember him with any nicks and his blades were very worn (from the hone) but with imaculate edge. I guess he had good eyes, hands, and tough skin. I, unfortunately am much more of a whimp with ultra-sensitive skin. I have tried various shaving creams and soaps (Cassell Massey, Musgo, C&E Nomad, others) and am still looking for "the ultimate"

Anyway, do I positively need a strop and why can't I use a belt? My grandfather is no longer with us, so I cannot get any advice from him

thanks
Ivo

Originally Posted by izlat

Anyway, do I positively need a strop and why can't I use a belt? My grandfather is no longer with us, so I cannot get any advice from him

thanks
Ivo

I have always ordered my strops from Tony, in fact he is making a custom sized strop for me now, however, at one point my strop was stolen from my hotel room and I was forced to use my belt as a strop and it wasnt half bad. I noticed the shaves werent as good as with a strop, but I didnt have to stop shaving either.

Some things to think of when deciding on a strop are the type of metal and the thickness of the blade you are using. My blade was very thick 1/2 hollow at most, but more towards 1/4 hollow, had I been using a full hollow razor I have a feeling the lack of a good strop would have been more noticeable. The other thing to think of is if you want to use an X pattern or not when stropping, I prefer not too, so I dont have any strops that are less than 3" in width.

If you are not sure which way you want to go, it may be worth it to buy one of Tony's factory second strops if he has any laying around, they arent as pretty as his best strops but they will work just as well and are generally very cheap. That way you could try this against your belt and see which way you want to go without spending much money.

Im betthing though, once you try one of his strops you will want one of his best strops with linen backing, etc, etc. I would definitely recommend this, and I personally recommend the 3" width.

JL,

thank you for the feedback. I am not sure what exactly I have ordered in terms of razor blades; I'll have to ask Joe Chandler on his blade, and mr barence on the WKC and will be back here with details as soon as I have them

How weird to have the strop stolen from the hotel. You should have looked for the roomservice guy with the best shave to get it back? Just kidding... Yes, after I have the details on the blades and an expert opinion, if I have to buy a strop I'll try to get a "second" (which I understand is anything but second quality functionally, just not as pretty) from Tony Miller and 3" seems more convenient

Cheers
Ivo

Welcome izlat. You're gonna love straight razor shaving.

Ed

You're getting yourself set up in fine form with a ready razor from Joe and a strop from Tony. The only other thing to do is discover Colleen Hurley's or Mamabear's soaps and creams. I know you've got your wet shaving needs, but we've got some great ladies doing a great job in that department who hang around here.

Happy Shaving!

X

Originally Posted by xman

You're getting yourself set up in fine form with a ready razor from Joe and a strop from Tony. The only other thing to do is discover Colleen Hurley's or Mamabear's soaps and creams. I know you've got your wet shaving needs, but we've got some great lasies doing a great job in that department who hang around here.

Happy Shaving!

X

Especially if you want a custom scent that you cant find anywhere else. Our soapmistresses are the finest!