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.