+1 for Oregon board members...

[tab]

New to the forum, and straight razor shaving.
Have been happy with wet shaving for a few years and wanted a change.
I've been reading learning for a month, and am still waiting for all of my new toys to come in...
Should be fun!

[Razorfeld]

Welcome tab. Looks like you are on a good starting path. Please take advantage of the fact that Oregon is fortunate to have two Mentors, both in the Portland area - Scapoose and Forest Grove. I know for a fact that not only myself, but pinklather would be more than happy to assist you in any way we can. PM's are a good way to start.

[SirStropalot]

tab,

Welcome to the forum!! Excellent advice above!! You can learn more in a few hours with one of them than through months of trial & error.

Enjoy the forum!!

Best Regards,

Howard

[RezDog]

Welcome to the forum. It cn be a lot of fun hanging out here.

[Redcane]

Welcome and enjoy.

[tab]

Welcome tab. Looks like you are on a good starting path. Please take advantage of the fact that Oregon is fortunate to have two Mentors, both in the Portland area - Scapoose and Forest Grove. I know for a fact that not only myself, but pinklather would be more than happy to assist you in any way we can. PM's are a good way to start.

Great info, thank you. I'm familiar with both areas so I may be shooting off a PM or two when the rest of my orders roll in!

[KingHooper]

Welcome to the neighborhood tab and like everyone has said ask and read this is a great place and a great bunch of people.

[engine46]

Hi Tab & welcome to SRP. Happy Holidays! You will love it here & there is plenty to learn as there is a wealth of information on here! You will want to buy you a nice straight razor to begin with whether used or new. Beware of used ones not that they are bad but know what to look for like a lot of hone wear on the spine & edge or chips in the blade. Stay away from razors with rust on the cutting edge as that will only result in it chipping more metal off as it is honed. Here is also a list of straights to stay away from:
Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library
Here is a list of good brands of razors you will want to own plus there are more than just these out there which you will find out from other members here:
Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Library
If buying a new razor, I suggest you buy one from Straight Razor Designs or SRD. The owner & founder of this forum is Lynn & he is also part owner of SRD. When you buy a straight razor from him, he will personally hone that razor before you get it plus you will get a certificate for another free honing for when that razor needs it which should be a few months. There will be vendors who will sell you a straight razor that is supposed to be shave ready but really won't be. You will most importantly need to know how to strop & you can learn in the Library or here:
Razor stropping - Straight Razor Place Library
You will need to strop your razor before & after you shave. If you buy one from Lynn, chances are you won’t have to strop it before you use it the first time.
You will also need a shaving brush, a shaving mug & some shaving soap. Later it will also do you good to get a second straight razor so that when you send the first one out to be honed, you will have a backup to shave with.
Here is a link to the Library where you will find stropping in there & everything else you will need to know including how to hone:
Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library
Here is another good link to know:
Welcome to the Workshop: How do I / Where do I / What do I / answers are here
Should you have any questions, there are a lot of knowledgable members on here that will be more than happy to help you out. If you want to find someone in your area, you can look here:
Local Help - Straight Razor Place Library
And if you can't find anyone near you, just ask and someone that lives in your are & hopefully they will let you know how to meet up & you can get some one on one mentoring. There is a lot to do on here, just search everywhere on the forum & in the Library. You will spend hours on here & have fun doing it, so there you go, have at it!
Good luck & have fun!
Steve

[evnpar]

Go Ducks! Welcome from Portland, OR. I've been wet shaving for 52 years, but only 9 months with straights. Pinklather has been generous of his time, skill, and knowledge, as I'm sure Razorfeld is. Please take advantage of their generous offer. Most of all, have fun!

[Slasher]

Welcome to srp...your in good hands.