Thread: Hey there from Minot AFB

Hi there, I'm new to this forum and to straight edge razors. I've been using a 1950s safety razor for the last few years and I wanted to make the jump to straight edge razors. I'm 23 currently serving in the US Air Force in North Dakota.

Welcome to SRP and thank you for your service. I'm sure you've read the wikis and watched the videos. Great information there. If you are on a budget check out the Whipped Dog for a starter razor and equipment. Larry is a great guy to deal with. Also check the SRP classifieds for a decently priced razor. Try to avoid eBay for now, too many bad razors there unless you know what to look for. Check the membership search function, putting in your location and see what members are in your area. Might even be a mentor near you that can give you a one-on-one session or two to help get you started. Among the things he can teach you is stropping, lather building and hoe to maintain your razor. And feel free to ask all the questions you want to. As some wise man said the only stupid question is the question unasked. Enjoy the ride.

Thanks for the good advice! I will look and see if anyone is in my area.

Webmc, it just occurred to me that you are already using a safety razor, I'm assuming it's a double blade model, and you're in the Air Force, at your PX you might find Van Der Hagen shaving products. They make an inexpensive brush and their soaps are decent for starters. Also, if you have sensitive skin get a can (the only soap in a can worth it) of Aveeno Theraputic Shaving Cream. A SRP member, also a dermatologist, recommended it and it is a very good shaving soap.

I will try the aveeno cream. I've been using van der Hagen soaps for about a year now, great product. Recently I decided to change it up and I ordered some Taylor's of old bond street sandalwood cream. Normally for post shave i use old spice aftershave. Thanks for all the helpful advice!

Hello and welcome. There is a lot of information here. If you have any question just ask. There are often great deals in the classifieds.

Webmc, do I denote the beginning of a soap addiction? SRP members are all sufferers of one shaving addiction or another, and often multiple ones. Razor, soap/creams, strops, brushes, aftershaves/balms and on and on! Take it from a recovering shaving whatever condition and look yourself in the eyes in the mirror and say (out loud if you are by yourself), "Do I really need this, that and everything?" It's a thousand step recovery program (lots of set backs along the way). The honest truth about it is we all vastly enjoy all the acquisition of shaving stuff, it brings out the hoarder in us. But, please, be of strong moral character, and only buy one of anything at a time or food, shelter and family will let you know your priorities. And get ready for some good humor along the way as other members discover your thread. Which by the way, are you a night owl, along with wanting to embrace the shaving lifestyle? I ask because you'll get a lot of posts from Australia and parts of Europe if you are a steady night person.

Let me know if you have any specific questions I can answer for you or steer you in the right direction.

Yes, I'm very much a night owl, my job requires me to work the midnight shift a lot. Sadly I'm already a man of many addictions, this just happens to be my latest one. I already ordered a second razor. I found an old hm Christensen on eBay and I couldn't help my self. I'm very glad this community is so welcoming. I think I will be on these forums quite abit.

Hi and welcome! You've come to the right place, lots of great folks here and lots of info on how to get into this with as little blood and tissue loss as possible!

Cheers!

Welcome Webmc. Lots of great info on this site. I am a month in to straights and I have learn so much from SRP.