Hello from Columbus, Ohio area

Hello,
I'm new here and looking forward to participating and contributing to the community. I am an experienced DE shaver with what I consider quite a collection but am brand spanking new to straight razors. I have a Dovo Carpe Diem Multi Wood Handle 5/8, a Wilhelm Mandt - Finest Sheffield Steel 11/16, and a Bester Deutsher Silberstahl 9/16. I'm taking things slow and watching youtube videos and honestly am having kind of a hard time getting these razors to perform to my expectations. I've shaved just the right side of my face for the past two days (and end up going back over with a DE) and slowly expanding. I'm on at least one of the other shaving forms and I have recently been made aware of this place. Seems like a good place to hang out. Anyone know anything about the Bester or Wilhelm? Are they considered nice? They seem to be in good condition and got them from someone on another forum.

Hey Chris, There's a bit of technique in the str8. 'Nothing you can't master, but the early shaves are hard to compare to an experienced hand w/ a DE. Without knowing anything about the seller of your razors or their edges - its usually good to buy from someone that uses them daily. What some call shave ready can vary, and the new shaver is *HARD* on edges. I typically dulled my edges w/ inexpert stropping. (to say nothing of the carnage inflicted on the strops) If you question the quality of the edges - just pick up return shipping costs & I'll hone for the fun of it. Keep hanging out - you really have hit the mother load of str8 shaving help. Enjoy the learning.

Hi and welcome. As said there is a bit of a learning curve but as your transitioning from the de you will pick it up quickly. Good luck with your shaves and any questions feel free to ask

Thanks guys. Yes, straight shaving is vastly different from DE. I try to be very careful when stropping. I go slow and be sure not to "roll the edge". Shaved with the Bester a bit this morning and I did strop it. I couldn't really tell much of a difference from when it came in the mail... I'll post some stropping questions later in the forums. :)

Hey chris welcome from another buckeye. Just like when first using DE razors theres a learning curve. But I feel the curve is a bit more with straights. I do a WTG & XTG then do my ATG pass with one of me DE's. Not ready to go atg with a straight yet. But each shave does seem to get a little better an easier. Stick with it an you will get it.:rock:

Welcome to SRP, Chris! Definitely post questions about stropping if you have them. Inexperienced stropping can surely degrade a blade quickly. But, even with a shave-ready edge, in the early days you will struggle with technique. Good luck on your journey. :)