Thread: hello from Alabama

I have been trolling this forum for several weeks now. I, like many others here, got tired of paying for those expensive cartridge razors that I thought I was only getting 1 or 2 decent shaves from then continuing to use them for several weeks because it seemed wasteful to throw away something that expensive without getting my moneys worth out of it. I say that I " thought " I was getting 1 or 2 decent shaves because once I ditched the disposable and got a DE safety razor I found out what a good shave actually felt like. So far my worst shave with a DE was 10 times better than the best shave I ever got with the old disposable. Now, after several weeks of perusing this, as well as other forums, I have become intrigued with using a straight razor. My interest in anything DIY, and doing things in a traditional fashion have led me to this " new to me " style of shaving. Shaving for me is no longer viewed as a chore, but a form of relaxation, an enjoyable way to wind down at the end of the day. Have picked up a lot of good info here and look forward to my first shave with a straight razor as soon as I acquire the necessary equipment. Currently awaiting arrival of a couple razors I got off the bay, along with a strop. Hopefully at least one of the razors will arrive sharp enough that it will only need stropping. Many thanks to all who have contributed to this site for the knowledge an inspiration to give this a try.

Welcome. A couple of thing I thought I should point out. I think the correct term is you have been lurking, trolling has negative implications. It is good to hear that you are on the path leading away from wasteful cartridges. If you are shopping the bay for razors you should read this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/aucti...bay-101-a.html
You should also get your straights professionally honed before you start shaving with them. It makes sure you are starting out on the right foot. A not quite sharp enough of a razor really sucks.

DustySuds, Welcome to SRP!
+1 on having your razors honed by a professional.

Welcome to SRP!
+2 on having at least two of the razors pro honed. I have yet to get a razor off of the bay that was ready to shave with. A few have been sharp, but not sharp enough for the face. You definitely don't want to start with a razor that is "just sharp".

You can start practicing stropping on your leg with a butter knife.

Make sure your read through the beginner's section in the library.

We have strict no trolling policy buddy! Seriously though, WELCOME! Glad you are out of the shadows and into the member light. May we see some pics of the razors in the mail?

Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

If you take the time to search, 99.9% of your questions can be found in the Library (WIKI) however feel free to ask us about whatever it is that you are wondering about or having a problem with. It does help if you’ve done some research before hand so it narrows the problem down a bit.

As already mentioned Please Get Your Razors Honed By A Pro!!! I can't stress that enough. It will allow you this. 1. You will know what a Truly Shave Ready Razor shaves like. 2. If those razors have problems they can be pointed out and dealt with. 3. It will give you piece of mind that if the shaving isn't going well it's not because of the razor.

Technique takes some time to learn. Hell, 5 years in and I'll occasional try something different and get a good response.

As far as FleaBay goes although you have committed to the two razors, please stay away until you know what to avoid. The link provided will give you some good examples!

Keep an eye at the classifieds here at SRP, when I was a newbie a member was so very generous with his help with an inexpensive beginners razor.

This age old art has a huge learning curve, but once semi mastered, it's a whole different world!

It's a long strange road, but well worth the journey

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Hi and welcome. Another vote for a pro honing. I brought one supposed to be shave ready knowing full well that from ebay that is mostly a lie. Wasn't disappointed when the shave was crap. Even a 8k brought it up significantly. Get it done by a reputable honer. Stropping will be enough to learn along with how to shave. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Hey guys and thanks for the welcomes, advice and encouragement.

As far as the trolling comment, I relate this to a fishing term, therefore it was used in a positive way. I will have to double check the forum rules, but if fishing and fishing terms are frowned upon here I may be in the wrong place. But seriously, there is a lot of good info to be found here as long as you know where to drop the hook.

I have browsed the info here as far as buying used blades and have been careful to look up reviews before bidding on any blades. The two razors I have purchased so far are a Giesen & Forsthoff, and a Double Duck, both of which come from Solengen Germany and both seem to get good reviews.

I am also considering a professional honing, but was hoping to find someone local to do it. If anyone knows of someone in the Anniston/Gadsden area of Alabama that could help me here I would be greatly appreciative.

Again, thanks to all, and I look forward to continuing the education of my new obsession to get the best possible shave I can get.

Oh we're just yanking your chain is all. Trolling on the Internet is basically saying something inflammatory to get a reaction and/or general pranking of the online community. You are in the right place if you caught a whopper of straight razor fever.

No worries aa1192, I took it all in fun. Actually lurking was the term I meant to use but apparently my brain was stuck out on a lake somewhere.