Newbi in Jacksonville, Florida

Attachment 151410Seems I'm part of the after Christmas rush of newbi's... With prodding, I got my first Str8 for Christmas... she purchased from whippeddog... I'm glad she went the more economical route as I'm liking the nostalgic feel of shaving with a 120ish year old razor... LOL..

I have to shave on a daily basis for work, and am looking for a way to not only save money, but save my face in the process.. Growing up on the foam from a can, and going from 1,2,3 and 5 bladed razors I'm tired on the gimmicks looking to hone a new interest.

So far I'm trying to do this on a low budget as post Holiday funds are tight...

Here's what I've been doing so far:

Razor: 5/8ths P.H.Hahn, Germany 1880-1889 (From Whipped Dog)
Strop: Homemade leather paddle strop (looking at getting a poor mans strop from Whipped dog)

Pre-Shave Oil, Homemade 1:3 (Castor:Olive Oil), with a splash of Essential Oil (Jasmine) Smells good
Van Der Hagen "Deluxe" Shaving Soap
Van Der Hagen Boar Brush
Pinaud Clubman Aftershave, nice barber shop smell (Looking at getting some Bay Rum, as I really like the smell)
Nivea Aftershave Balm

Shaves are going well... I was planning on just doing the cheek for my first couple of shaves as suggested by many, but I was quite comfortable with that bit right away so on my first shave I tackled everything but the neck.. Second shave feeling a bit more confident I was able to do it all... I'm still working on using both hands, but past doing the cheek with my left hand I really don't have that solid of a feeling..

I'm still figuring out all the acronyms, but I'm far from BBS.. I have a passable shave with 2 passes WTG.. Once I have more expedience and consistent technique I'll start tackling XTG and ATG..

I've grown up sharpening my own knives on stones, so at some point I plan on getting my own stones, but that may be next Christmas and Birthday put together...

Looking forward to bettering my shaves and learning from you guys...

Did someone say "acronyms & abbreviations"?

(main page > left sidebar > FAQ > 1.5)

Sounds as if you're off to a great start! Welcome.

Hi Foxblade, welcome to SRP, like Deepweeds said above sounds like you are off to a great start, take your time and enjoy, you have the library and the search bar above to look for and read about some questions you may have and if you can't find it there ask.

Welcome to SRP and enjoy the shaves! I have sensitive skin, and the way my first few shaves went, I don't know that I'd be able to struggle through it every day. Irritation decreases and shave quality increases regularly as your technique improves.

Thanks for the welcomes.. I'll be checking the FAQ out more to get the lingo down... As for the everyday.. I think I'm gonna shift shaving to the evenings so that I can spend more time, and since I ride my bicycle to work.. I don't think a fresh close shave would feel all that good during an 8 mile bike ride...

Hi and welcome. Sounds like you got the basic shave sorted so so from here it it only gets better. Anything we we can help with just ask. Ed