Thread: Hello from Michigan

Hello everyone!

A few years ago I decided to switch to shaving with a DE looking for a better and more cost effective shave than what cartridge razors could provide. I have enjoyed shaving with a DE ever since and have bought a couple vintage Gillettes. I also have a couple new Merkur razors and am pleased with them as well. I have always been interested in shaving with a straight razor but haven't taken the plunge, until now. I am almost out of razor blades and decided to seriously look into straight razors and decided to order my first one. I also ordered a beginners strop and Chinese 12k hone after doing some research on this forum. I have a few hobbies and really enjoyed collecting some safety razors and can see that the straight razor hobby fits in nicely with my interests. I won't really get to play with my new stuff until after Christmas though, as it is a present from my wife!

I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to everyone on this forum. I look forward to talking to all of you as I begin dabbling with straight razors and all that comes along with them.

Hi and welcome. The DE experience will make the change over much easier. Since you have a bit its a good idea to do a bit of wiki reading and watch shaving vids for a bit of technique info to get you started. Hope the shaves go well. Ed

Thank you for the welcome and I will heed your advice. The only thing that I find a little intimidating is learning how to strop. The last thing I want to do is roll the edge and cause myself any problems. Before I even attempt my first shave I will certainly study the information provided on this forum.

Welcome. Just curious, what razor did you order? I like to live through others.

Hi and welcome!
You have a long wait ahead of you I hear.

Originally Posted by Sandman88

Thank you for the welcome and I will heed your advice. The only thing that I find a little intimidating is learning how to strop. The last thing I want to do is roll the edge and cause myself any problems. Before I even attempt my first shave I will certainly study the information provided on this forum.

Don't be intimidated, it's not that hard. Firts learn, in theory, how to do it. Then you just take it really slowly and controlled, going fast won't do you any good. Keep the spine in contact with the strop through the whole process and concentrate on what you are doing and you'll be fine. Good luck

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Welcome. Just curious, what razor did you order? I like to live through others.

I ordered a sight unseen razor from whippeddog.com, along with the poor man's strop and 12k Chinese hone. I was told that I wouldn't need the stone right away but wanted to purchase the essentials all in one order and I think that I have everything that I need to get started. I already have soaps/brush/mug from shaving with DE. I have heard good things about Larry and his website and most importantly I will receive an actual shave ready razor.

For stropping check out the stickys (red ones) at the beginning of the stopping forum and check YouTube as heaps of vids. Ed

Be careful with the hone. If you think stropping changes things fast wait till the blade hits the rock :<0) This is the paradox but so true. If you don't know how to strop, honing is not your answer. Stropping is a lot easier. I suspect you got the very small size hone ? That is even harder to use.

Welcome sandman. I am in Southeast Michigan and love to see new members from our state. If possible, meet up with an experienced straight razor shaver. They can give you hints and feedback that is quite tough to do over an internet connection. Where are you located?

I live near Traverse City MI and will keep my ears open and see if anyone shares the same interests as I do in my neck of the woods.