Howdy gang,

I am a new straight razor user, though I have owned two for a few years. I finally had my WH Morely 5/8s hollow re-honed after I kind of started using it a few years back, but never really got into it. I also had my really cool (supposedly 1820s era) George Wostenholm "Real IXL" 6/8's wedge I found in an antique shop in Georgia restored and honed as well. Both were done by Ken Rupkalvis.

I started shaving with them and am really getting a kick out of the experience so far, though it is much more difficult that I imagined. I have been wet shaving with DEs for a few years, but this is certainly a step up in complexity and finesse, which I really enjoy. The shaves aren't the best yet, but neither were my DE shaves when I first started out. I have a seriously tough beard that grows almost completely flat in the chin and neck areas. Even a Merkur slant with Feathers or Method Shaving with an HD can't take it all the way down under my chin lol, so I will try anything to tackle that area more comfortably and cleanly. The straights do well on the cheeks so far, but the neck and chin need more practice.

One thing is for sure, while SR shaving is certainly different than DE shaving, the RAD transfers right on over. I already have a Parker SRW shavette on the way (20 bucks for a travel straight? sure why not!?) AND a Ralf Aust 6/8" Amazakoue Spanish Point that I have been drooling over on SRD. I really like my antiques, but I'd like to keep them from getting too worn out or beat up, especially the Wostenholm. Anyways, thanks for letting us 'guests' lurk, I figured it was finally time to sign up so I can hopefully contribute something to the group as well!


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Here is a pic of the two vintage razors. I know it isn't great, but you get the idea. Ken did his best to repair the original horn scales on the Wostenholm. The Morely has 'stag' scales which you can't really see in the picture due to glare.