Straight from Savannah

Hello everyone,

My name is Ari and I live near beautiful Savannah, GA. I found your wonderful forum and have used it as a resource to help guide me back into the world of straight razor shaving. I used a cheap Paki Razor (please don't flame me) while I was deployed overseas and got to the point where I could actually cut more hair than skin most days. After returning home I went back to those ole Mach 3 disposables and have used them for many years.

My interests are wide and varied, but I love all things "antique". I have a massive collection of music on vinyl, I love old guitars and tools, I still own and regularly drive my Grandfather's 1964 Ford F-250, and our house is filled with antique furniture and other cool items from days gone by. Though I'm just shy of 30, most would call me the proverbial "Old Soul".

My wife an I recently had our first child and as I was shaving one day it hit me like a bolt from the blue. "Why am I doing this disposable nonsense?" "Do I really want to teach my son that shaving is simply a part of the daily routine?"

No, I certainly do not! So I reenter the world of straight razor shaving with a mindset that my day will become a bit less routine and a bit more reflective.

When I originally started shaving with a straight years ago it was simply for the novelty of it. Sure I could get a quick (and passable) shave with a disposable, but what was cooler than putting a 3in razor to my throat every day. It really lets you know you're alive! But as I learned and got better, I realized that aside from the "cool" factor, shaving with a straight transformed my day by helping steady my mind. Shaving was no longer a mindless routine, yet another motion to go through. Now it required concentration, preparation, dedication, and skill. As with most things, the more I put into it, the more I got out of it. I began using this time to clear my head and ready myself for whatever the day might bring. Somehow in that sandy hell, I found heaven in a bowl of hot water and a piece of hollow ground, cheap Pakistani steel. Life is much better now, but I want to have that enjoyment from shaving again.


Using your site, I have been easing back into things. I did my research and purchased Dovo Best Quality 5/8 and the necessary accessories. I haven't taken the leap and attempted what will effectively be a "first shave" after my hiatus, but I'm continuing to enjoy the helpful information here. After some more research and allowing my beard to grow a bit more, I'll take the plunge.

Thanks so much for providing such a great resource. I look forward to being a part of this great community!

Welcome to SRP, Ari. You seem to have everything all planned out. I'm sure the Dovo will be more pleasing to shave with. Good luck and ask questions if you need help. :)

Hi, Ari. welcome to SRP. :chapeau

Welcome to the forum :chapeau

Come to Asheville in April for an awesome meet up. Learn more than you ever thought existed.

"First" shave down! :rock:

I took Lynn Abrams advice in his youtube video and only made the two "easy" passes for each side burn area then finished with my regular disposable. Even going WTG I can tell a huge difference between the two sections. Looking forward to building my confidence and expanding the area I shave with the straight. Heck, I consider it a win cause I didn't cut myself! LOL