+1 for Oregon board members...

[edhewitt]

I was going to say that Razorfeld and pinklather are both in Oregon, but Razorfeld got there first, i think cudarunner is close by too.
I saw you had a Portland razor Co on the way and a hart? And you have discovered the hart isn't quite shave ready, if I am not mixing you up with someone else, i am sure Razorfeld or pink can help get you on track, even if indirectly.

[Walterbowens]

Hi Tab, and welcome to the forum !!

[eddy79]

Hi and welcome. Good luck with this next step in your shaving journey

[tab]

I was going to say that Razorfeld and pinklather are both in Oregon, but Razorfeld got there first, i think cudarunner is close by too.
I saw you had a Portland razor Co on the way and a hart? And you have discovered the hart isn't quite shave ready, if I am not mixing you up with someone else, i am sure Razorfeld or pink can help get you on track, even if indirectly.

This all sounds correct.
Planning to shoot off some PMs tonight and see where it ends up.

[cudarunner]

Welcome to an older but better way of shaving.

While I'm a bit far away to be of any help as far as one on one; as mentioned you have good help available and quite close.

I think that the Key things in learning this age old art are these:

Patience, Patience, Patience and then some more Patience as there are so many learning curves to this art. If you do have patience, then you will do well.

Take your time, go slow and Don't Expect Immediate EXCELLENT RESULTS! It can happen, but it's the few and they are far between.

Shoot for improving each and every time you shave with the straight. If it doesn't happen, so be it. Try again. If you think that you've learned what no to do, remember it. If you think that you've learned something that is right, remember that. It will all come to you, it just takes time and that is why you must be patient.

Please don't even think about learning how to hone!!!!!!!!!!! You have your plate full with learning how to Properly Strop, Make Lather and most importantly How to Shave. I always Highly Suggest that those that are new to this Art wait at least 1 year before they even think about learning how to hone. Just ask pinklather why he chose that handle/I'll give you a hint/mix red blood with white shaving lather

When the time comes to learn to hone you will find a very good teacher in pinklather, he's one fussy SOB! :

Again welcome! It's a long strange trip but it's well worth the journey

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

[tab]

My new razor from Portland Razor Co. came in yesterday. Compared to the Hart blade it has a much better edge.
Far less tugging and a lot more cutting... I'm very happy to now know what this is supposed to feel like

The strop I purchased with the razor was a lot nicer than I expected as well. Very pleased with the new acquisitions.

[feltspanky]

Scott at PRC is creating a buzz in the USA made razor/strop market.

[mdwright]

Welcome, tab, to a great group focused around a great hobby/avocation/obsession.

FWIW, I have 3 Harts that all arrived marginally shave-ready (tugging, etc.) , but after Gssixgun honed them they became among my most favorite blades.

Also, I am eagerly awaiting my Portland razor.

Mike

My new razor from Portland Razor Co. came in yesterday. Compared to the Hart blade it has a much better edge.
Far less tugging and a lot more cutting... I'm very happy to now know what this is supposed to feel like

The strop I purchased with the razor was a lot nicer than I expected as well. Very pleased with the new acquisitions.

[evnpar]

I just visited the guys at Portland Razor Co. this morning, to pick up my razor and to see what they do first hand. Scott was very generous of his time, given that he's been working long hours, seven days a week to catch up on the sudden interest in his razors. The workmanship on my razor is impeccable, and I'm anxious to shave with it tomorrow morning. Some of the scales he's working on are stunning, and I was able to see a beautiful Damascus that is near completion. He's able to do any of the razors offered on his site in 6/8, 7/8, or 8/8, and can do almost any scale that you are interested in. I saw a beautiful block of a bogged wood from Russia today. I was happy to support a local artisan, and after what I saw today, I will probably be ordering another razor soon.

[pinklather]

'Sure makes me happy to hear Scott at PRC is putting some smile on some faces.

Tab, by all means - take advantage of guys nearby. I'm been crazy busy lately, but with a little planning, should be able to help.

Between the Hart & PRC, you have some very nice blades to learn with. For alot of guys, the heavy grinds can be easier to learn with. Although I have all types, I reach for a heavy grind 3 out of 4 shaves. If we can connect, you're welcome to try my gear. Near wedge through extra hollow. Customs, a lovely horsebutt strop from HidestoArt, vintage shell. I don't have any nice badger brushes yet. I'm betting you're gonna love your shaves.

Enjoy the learning. It doesn't have to happen overnight. It will actually get better whether or not you try to improve - just from the repetition of blade to beard.

'Hope your time here is great. 'Best of Christmas wishes to you & yours.