Thread: New member from Southeast PA

Hi all,

I just started straight shaving ~1 month ago (June 12). So far I've picked up razors from SRD (A nice new Dovo 5/8") and two sight unseens from whippeddog (an extra 5/8" made in solingen, and a ~6/8" made in england). My favorite razor is the 6/8", I think it's a quarter hollow by the looks of the edge, and it shaves like a champ, much simpler to feel the correct pressure. I think I'll get there with the hollows, but the substantial difference in heft makes the shave quite difficult. Unfortunately, I rolled the edge on the Dovo stropping and managed to put a small nick in the blade. I think a few runs on an 8K then finishing would probably help it a bit, but I'm not in the market for hones just yet. I know there are a few members near me, so perhaps I'll see if anyone nearby knows how to hone and might start me with some tips, since I will want to learn eventually. I'm also planning to meet up with a couple of members for general technique advice, I'm still having trouble building a consistent lather that isn't too dry or doesn't dry out on my face while I'm shaving.

Straight shaving is defintely a more involved and relaxing experience (my friends find it hard to believe that an incredibly sharp object touching your face with no protection can be relaxing) and it's smoother than my cartridge except for the chin area even with <20 shaves under my belt. I, too, told myself "this would be a great way to save money on shaving supplies". I've already probably spent as much as I'd have spent in a year on cartridges. At least its quite a fun, deep, and relaxing new hobby. In any case, I'm happy to be here, and I'm hoping to start my way down a long path of "saving money" on shaving supplies by switching to straight shaving.

Hi and welcome. Few of us round here save much by straight shaving. Now we know what we were missing there is so much to try and buy. At least you gain something for it. Any questions feel free to ask

Welcome

It is a lovely thought to save money on shaving. I started out that way too a few $$$$$$ ago

jfLo, Welcome to SRP.

With new shavers it is pretty common for lather to dry out. You could dip the brush tips into water and hit the dry spot as needed. Also, play around while lathering, adding more water to see what happens. I found that certain soaps/creams needed more water than others. With some the lather would just disappear when too much water was added. Anyway, hope this helps.
Hopefully one do the members from PA will be along shortly.

When building a bowl based lather add three or four drops of pure glycerin. It helps build and maintain a moist lather. Use of tallow based soaps/creams like Mitchell's Wool Fat also help give a lasting lather. And yes, some are thirstier than others, like being a week in the desert without water.

Your in Reading? I work in Reading Wyobarber has a barbershop in wyomissing right by vf outlets and Mrsell63 is from Reading. I'm sure any of us could help. Stop in joshes shop and tell him your from srp. There is some good honers in your area.

Thanks everyone for the welcome! I managed to stop at a bath and body works and picked up some CO Bigelow cream (which I understand is essentially relabeled Proraso Green). All my lathering woes were gone. I continued to add water after I shaved to see if I could get it too wet, but whipping it always seemed to bring it back to life. It would seem I've been using far too little water in the past and not whipping enough when I thought I added too much. I also ordered an Edwin Jagger DE89 yesterday, which will be delivered today, in hopes that I can combine that and the straight to totally obsolete my 5 blade cartridge razor.

Welcome jfLo! Boy do I envy you having so many experienced people around you. I hope you find this SR 'habit' as interesting as I do (and not as expensive as I do). Enjoy!

Welcome to SRP! Ha, saving money! You haven't heard of HAD yet have you? Just kidding. Good luck!

Welcome to SRP. I too have just started shaving with a SR only two weeks ago. I also have the same problem keeping the lather from drying out on my face. It is most probably because it is taking me so long shaving that it is drying out. I just have to re-lather and keep on until done!