Thread: Old dog... new tricks! Hello SRP - from the Denver area!

Well, as the Title states: In one sense of the phrase, I am an old dog. Like my doctor told me a few weeks ago..., "You're not 43 anymore!"

I just can't do what I use-ta-could... So I thought I'd try something new! I've decided to run a finely honed straight razor against my face and neck and see if I can get away with it! Hell, if I'm lucky, I might even get a close shave without needing a blood donor.

Though I haven't had a chance to use my SR yet (it's been sent off to be professionally honed), here's what's going on with me.

After (what I consider) a lot of research (3 day - aprox 20 hours invested), I started adding items to my shopping cart (from different vendors) without wanting to break the bank:
- Dovo SR ($115)
- Men's Luxury Shave kit (pure badge brush, mug, soap, stand $30)
- 30 Degree Thin Latigo Natural Leather Strop with Handle ($80)
- Styptic pencil

Any opinions on these items appreciated.

I contacted a member (Praston) of SRP who hones razors professionally to set me up with the perfectly honed razor. He's a wealth of knowledge and very willing to spend his time to share his experiences and great attitude and outlook on this adventure. He was quick to reply and we've already had many texts and emails. In an almost cosmic ironic way we're strangely like-minded. As he puts it, "You and I are cut from the same chunk of steel."

Everything I've read in threads and videos, etc., suggests a newbie shouldn't cut corners nor try to set the bevel and hone their own razors when they start out. Likewise, "Shave Ready" very seldom is. I take advise well. Like I said... I'm old. I should get my razor in a few days. VERY ANXIOUS INDEED!

After a few more days passed (researching), I purchased a few more items to help me learn the "art" of the SR.

Upon advise I have also purchased:
- 2 Golden Dollar SRs ($12ea - for practicing - I'll give one of them to my buddy when I finally get it right!)
- Big Horn water stone holder
- DMT Dia-sharp Course 8"
- Norton Water Stone Package (Norton Waterstone Woodworker Package - Amazon.com)
- Naniwa 12,000 grit Super Stone (as per Lynn Abrams in his YT video "Straight Razor Honing-Refreshing Straight Razors")

Since I couldn't wait any longer for my SR (my beard was getting itchy), I also purchased a nice Merkur safety razor and got the closest shave since I can't remember when. I really enjoyed fussing around with the brush and soap trying to make a rich creamy lather. Now thanks to SRP member Lazarus, I can do it better next time!

I have an idea what I've just got myself into, but then again... if the easy stuff is challenging (playing with soap and water), how friggin' difficult will the hard stuff be?

Thanks for reading.

Hello SRP from Denver, CO!!!

Welcome to the forum of dedicated wet shavers. You have certainly started on your journey with a lot of equipment. More importantly, you have contacted other users to guide and assist your learning curve. Well done, sir.

My only advice is go slow when first putting that metal to the face. Take it easy and only do what you are comfortable to execute.

Enjoy the ride!

Dave

Welcome to SRP! As you have already found out, the gentlemen of this forum are always willing to help a new member. Post any questions you have and keep us updated on your progress.

welcome from another "old dog who aint 43 anymore" your on a good path , info is your greatest tool right now and if you want another tool I picked up the dvd from Lynn Abrams everything is in there from razors to shaving ,, have fun and do just what your doing tc

Hi and welcome. You definitely have everything you need so take it slow and light making baby steps and you shouldn't come across any major issues. If your comfortable with the safety razor use that to clean up and get the hard spots to start and just work your way to a full shave. As said any questions feel free to ask

Originally Posted by eddy79

Hi and welcome...As said any questions feel free to ask

Thank you! Will do!