Hello from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Hello All,

I am a British chap who emigrated to Australia in 2011. I have been shaving with a DE for several years but recently decided to learn how to use a straight.

About 6 months ago I started shaving with a Parker Shavette, and after many nicks and cuts I started to get some pretty good shaves. I was getting pretty good at skin stretching and learning my way around. However the shave was always aggressive and left me knowing I had had a very close shave.

After reading more on this great forum and one other, I bought my first straight razor from Larry at Whipped Dog. I have been using it for a couple of months now and I must say it is much easier it is to use, however my shaves are more hit and miss for some reason. I have been keeping the straight edge (when it starts to pull) by giving the razor 5-6 passes on a 12K barbers hone and then 60 or so on a leather strop and that seems to work, so far.

I have discovered due to the heat here in Queensland that I get less irritation if I cold water shave at night, after a cool shower. My skin is less irritated. However in the UK with a DE razor my skin prefered hot water shaving and that was definitely the go in the colder climate. I also find that face lathering seems to work better with cold water for me.

My favourite soaps so far are Palmolive shaving stick, Arko stick, and for a late bedtime shave TOBS lavender cream seems very relaxing. Proraso original is great if I have to morning shave. I'm not a fan of pre shaves as I can't see their worth?

At the moment I know i can get a closer shave with my DE but I am fascinated with the straight. I have almost given up a couple of times but I'm a stubborn mule and love the "feel" of the straight from a skin and an aesthetic point of view. Im chasing a perfect edge and a BBS shave.

I really want to learn to maintain and hone my razor, and that will be my next challenge. I'm hoping to find someone to give me a few lessons if possible.

I already have noticed that a shaving obsession has started! I seem to be buying everything I can get my hands on to try!

What a glorious hobby this is :)

Welcome to the dark side from sunny Townsville, currently enjoying cooler weather in Yorkshire, UK.
There are several guys near BNE who may jump in and offer help such as Jimbo, Havachat etc.
Keep spending up big, best retail therapy you can buy!
Sunbird

G'day Kevin, I'm just south of you in Brisbane just before Redcliffe. Jimbo is a bit closer to you at Maleny and if he's available, I would bet he would love to show you his stones. He likes to whip 'em out in front of people as often as possible. If there is anything I might be able to help with, just ask. If I can't help, I probably no someone who can. Or someone else will chime in with an answer for you. Welcome to the forum.


Mick

Happy New year Mick. Of course I should have thought of you, sorry mate.

Sunbird

And a merry Christmas to you as well mate. No need to worry about forgetting me. I forget me a lot too :). Hope the new year brings you good health and good friends.


Mick

G'day and welcome to the forum.

G'day Kevin welcome to SRP from CQ
You won't go wrong here plenty of great info etc to get through
Mick & the lads down your way certainly won't lead you astray

Hi and welcome. As said any questions just ask. Ed

Hi and welcome from Melbourne (although currently in Thailand on holiday).

G'Day and welcome to SRP.
I have lots of rocks to show off too....hehehe
Happy New Year all.

Hi Kevin,

I'm on the coast too, as is Jimbo at Maleny. Nice to hear your edge maintenance is working, this is the area that most new SR/CT shavers have trouble with - apart from the actual business of shaving. I heartily agree with your use of Proraso - it really is the standard by which other creams and soaps are judged - some are better but many are worse;) Even after 3 years of straight shaving I find a BBS finish comes easier with a DE but generally I get less cuts and nicks with the straight - and it's a hell of a lot more fun!

Like my sometime acquaintances Havachat and Mick, I also have bunch of stones, though nothing in the same exotic league as Jimbo. Drop me a PM and we'll see if we can meet up sometime, I'd be more than happy to show you my modest collection of blades and rocks and shoot the breeze generally.
regards

Mike

G'day Mike. Haven't seen you around much. have I been hanging around with the wrong crowd again, or have you really just not been around much?


Mick

Hi Mick, I moved from Brisbane at the end of 2011 but I did get down to the meet up at Stu's church hall towards the end of 2012. I don't think you were at that one. it was a shame we couldn't organise a meet last year but 2014 is another year so i hope we can do it this time.

I've actually been a bit more active on the forums in the last few months - I think my post count is up to nearly 30:hmmm:

Back to the subject of cut throat shaving (I like how you prefer that term) - I picked up a reasonably sized coti at the last Nambour collectorama for $7.50 - you have to get a win sometimes!

I remember I had to work for that one and wasn't able to make it. We're a bit slack at organising these things...Or more to the point...Making them happen. I'll blame Geoff (havachat ;)) for being the slack bugger. Hopefully we'll get another one happen early this year.


Mick

Welcome to the 'Place' Kevin.
Sounds like the bug has bit. :)

Keep you straights dry & oiled. Humidity is the enemy of carbon steel.