Greetings From Iowa!

Hello Friends!
New guy from Iowa here. Recently (~2 weeks ago) decided I needed to begin straight shaving. Always appreciated fine steel and good knives, so this was the next step in the evolution. For these two weeks, I lurked quietly and read everything I could digest and began collecting gear.

In spite of the fact that I can put a heck of an edge on a knife, I didn't feel like learning honing and stropping a razor at the same time I was developing technique, so I decided to go the Feather route initially. Purchased a folding SS, a Japanese style DX, a healthy supply of pro-guard and pro blades, and a nice variety of AOS and Jack Black pre-shaving, shaving, and post-shaving goodies (my daughter works at Sephora, 20% discount <WOOT!>) with the intention of building variety as I go (have some Prorasol, Martin De Candre and some other goodies on the way). Pointers and product tips very welcome!

So this evening, with a HEALTHY respect for the Feather's reputation, after a nice shower I applied some AOS Pre-Shaving oil, loaded the SS with a Pro-Guard, whipped up a healthy froth of AOS shaving creme, applied shaving creme with a nice best badger brush, crossed myself, and put blade to face. Quite prepared to take a stroke or two on the easy spots, absorb the experience, and do a few more tomorrow night. Baby steps.

Fifteen minutes later my entire face had been shaved with the Feather, and quite simply, the best shave ever. No nicks, weepers, amputations, frantic 911 calls, or other foul occurrences of an unpleasant nature. Pure pleasure. And closer than my good old Bic Metal razors by a far cry :). Finished off with some AOS post shave balm, and went outside to look for a bear to wrestle.

Filled my peanut with as much info as I could absorb, took my time, respected the potential hazard posed by the razor, had a good prep, and as a result, consider the whole evolution a resounding success.

For the first time in my life, I wish my beard grew faster. This was truly a rewarding experience. Next step: obtain a conventional straight razor and razor strop. Looking at the Ralf Aust 5/8 Black Straight Razor and 3" Premium 1 strop set from SRD. Seems like the cat's pajamas, but I welcome any recommendations.

Thanks to all here who take the time to provide guidance to we new folks. It is appreciated.

SR4L,
Mike

Welcome, I don't know the products personally but the razor and strop are both spoken of quite highly.
Welcome to the forum, and I am glad you are having fun.

Welcome to the forum! Glad your first shave went well. I went right to straights from DE and never did any sort of shavette style. I don't think you'll go wrong with anything from SRD. I'm a fan of the AOS cream as well.

Welcome entropy.
I have a Ralf Aust 5/8 and would not hesitate in recommending it.

Welcome to SRP!
now just update your avatar with your post shave picture :)

seems like you have the gear bit well in hand. try to slow down on your buying and get to know your current tools intimately.3

enjoy,
jim

Hi and welcome. Congrats on the shaving success. The Ralf Aust are a great razor(only new razor I own) and Lynn will hone it well and you cant go wrong with the SRD strops(and you can change the strop with other materials if you feel like it later). I only have the English Bridle and Latigo but they are both quality strops and you know with SRD you will get a quality product. Good luck fighting the AD's. Ed

Hello all. I hope this thread is still read! I have recently moved to Iowa, and have more recently started SS. I have successfully completed three shaves. The first was fantastic, the second really sucked, but the third (about 20 minutes ago) went pretty good. Still working on holding the angle correctly, but have had a good experience with the Art of Shaving brand products. Has anybody found a good retailer locally with different products?

Welcome.... senior member well done on the straight shave.
I know what you mean about the beard not growing fast enough.