Hola, Muchachos !

John from Alabama, checking in for the first time. I dove into DE shaving some time ago, refurbishing my father's old Gillette Slim razor and so far managing not to die a Death of a Thousand Cuts. Being ready to step up my game, though, I have decided to take the leap to using a straight razor, and (expecting to die a Death of a Thousand Cuts) purchased my first straight, a vintage "Heartring-Stosser" off of Ebay after reading some entries here and elsewhere on that type (and yes, I'm aware of the dangers of ebay and that I may have purchased what many of you might not consider worthy, but I got it at a decent price- and even more decently priced if it turns out to be serviceable). I'm positive it will need a good cleaning and honing (both of which I'll be learning from the ground up) before it's debut on my face, but it's a start that I'm looking forward to. Of course, when I can afford a new quality razor, I will certainly go that route- probably a Dovo as they seem to be most in my admittedly low(er)-budget world!

Anyhoo, looking forward to getting this project on the road and proving to my lady that straights aren't possessed by demons or used only by people in the Wild West. You can be sure I'll be soaking up all the info here and elsewhere, though, so I don't look like a complete moron learning this new way of shaving!

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Welcome to SRP. The gentlemen of this forum are always willing to help a new member down the straight path. I'n not familiar with the razor you'll be starting out with, but I would highly recommend you send it out to be professionally honed by a member who offers honing services, they can be found in the "Classifieds" under "Member Services." Learning to shave with a straight and trying to learn how to hone at same time will probably end in frustration. In the mean time, read, read, read, and ask any questions you have.

Welcome to the fold. You'll love it here.

Thank you, Hirlau and Rearden - and yes, as soon as I've received my razor I'll be cleaning it up and getting it sent to be properly honed. The one I purchased is virtually identical to the one pictured in this post, but not in the same shiny and clean condition. Definitely a learning curve involved, so I'm not just jumping in completely razor-lore illiterate; with a little luck and a steady hand, I'll live to tell about my adventures :D

And JCDC, thanks!

Hi and welcome. There will be info on cleaning up the razor in the workshop forum. Good luck.

Welcome to the forum. Just ask, and help is at hand if you need it.


Mick