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Greetings from Southern Ohio
I have been reading and learning quite a bit here. I actually began shaving with a straight a few weeks ago. I started with a razor I had picked up at a local antique shop. My dad actually shaved with a straight and a DE when I was young. He taught me to shave with both when I was about 14 (I am 51 now).
I have shaved with Fusion cartridges for a few years, and a little bit of everything before that (including electric razors).
My arsenal:
(1) The straight I picked up at the antique shop is branded for Smith Hdwe. Co. Columbus, O., and is marked "Our Very Best" Concaved. The scales were destroyed, so I am rescaling it with Rosewood scales.
(2) Since then, I have purchased a Geo. Wostenholm & Son IXL on Ebay for $38.99 in very good condition, and a friend GAVE me a couple Bokers...
(3) a H. Boker & Co. No. 346 "Extra Hollow Ground" - had one scale attached, which was broken. I made new Ebony scales for it.
And, (4) a Boker with "carved" spine, Ivory covered tang, and fancy scales; markings on tang "SCHMIDT & ZIEGLER REMSCHEID," and "OUR BEST" on the blade.
I have attached a picture showing these razors, listed from R to L. The one at the extreme RIGHT is shown without scales.
At any rate, I have somewhat perfected my "grip," and have become more proficient with my non-dominant hand (nicked myself pretty bad starting out). I have packed away the Fusion razor and the canned goop.
My routine:
Just before I get into the shower, I run a cup of hot water from my Keurig into a mug for my brush (boar) to soak in, and submerge my bowl (even with the top of the soap) in a sink filled with hot water. (BTW, I ordered a badger brush. I am guessing I will leave the boar behind).
After showering, I rub a homemade pre-shave oil into my whiskers (grape seed oil, olive oil, mineral oil, and lavender EO, and peppermint EO). That is followed by a lather of Van Der Hagen luxury (I have Razorock on the way). I go WTG. Rinse. Lather. XTG. Hot towel. Septic pencil as needed. Cold rinse. Witch hazel. Pat dry. A light coat of either Nivea ASB, or the same oil I use for pre-shave.
I had to touch-up 3 out of the 4 straights on a barber hone, and have become adequate with the strop (#835 Illinois Razor Strop).
For the first week or so, I only made 1 pass (WTG) each day. Then for the past week or so, I have added XTG. Once I have become comfortable with my grip, and technique, I will add ATG as needed.
If only I could avoid the tender spots where I nicked early on!
I apologize if I have rambled too much... glad to be here!
