Thread: Aloha from da Big Island

I got the cheapest Ralf Aust, with the plastic handle; because I read on here it's better than high end Dovos.
I got it from Straight Razor Designs, shave ready with an extra sharpening, with a latigo and felt strop, a 24 mm badger brush, and a big alum block for about $182.
The soap I can get from the farmers market... made from goat milk for $5.

How'd I do?

Aloha, welcome to SRP! Your post brought back fond memories of my years with the 25th Infantry Division back in the early 1980's. Lovely islands! The gear you got will serve you well. I am rather fond of that Aust razor you chose I think its top notch. I wish you well in your wet shaving journey.

Originally Posted by Razorfaust

Aloha, welcome to SRP! Your post brought back fond memories of my years with the 25th Infantry Division back in the early 1980's. Lovely islands! The gear you got will serve you well. I am rather fond of that Aust razor you chose I think its top notch. I wish you well in your wet shaving journey.

Thanks for your encouragment, everybody.
If I didn't have access to this site, I would've bought a prettier razor that probably isn't as good, a 3" strop, and a boar brush... for a lot more money.
Thanks again for everybody on SRP's help and encouragement.

I've read your thread and will repeat what many have already said; Welcome!

This age old Art, takes Patience, Everything about it take Patience. Take your time, go slow, as you've posted your father never helped you learn to shave. In the days gone by, a father, uncle, neighbor or older brother would be the one to help guide one who's beard was just coming in on how to use a straight razor. Those of us who have tired of the useless multi-bladed 'crap' that the mindless masses accept and have chosen to use what we have found to be an 'Older', but 'Better' way of shaving are starting out far longer in life than would have been traditional.

It's a long strange trip. Enjoy the journey. It's well worth the trip.

Oh! While I'm not on the Islands, if there is anything this 'Howlee' can do for you just let me know!

Thanks Cuda. I read First Shave, and planned on modifying Lynn's advice a little. My idea is to work on small sections of my neck, since that's all I usually shave anyway.

Originally Posted by briancorneal

I've been DE shaving for a few months and I love it. I actually was born and raised in Pahoa. I do miss it, especially in the winter, but the good jobs aren't there and I don't want to pay $7+/gallon of milk.

Right now, I'm having my straight honed by a pro, and should get it back next week sometime. Can't wait to see the difference.

Pahoa, home of the Daggers... we probably still know some of the same people. Ed from the Flip Flop Swap Shop used to have it in Hilo...

Originally Posted by aloysious

I got the cheapest Ralf Aust, with the plastic handle; because I read on here it's better than high end Dovos.
I got it from Straight Razor Designs, shave ready with an extra sharpening, with a latigo and felt strop, a 24 mm badger brush, and a big alum block for about $182.
The soap I can get from the farmers market... made from goat milk for $5.

How'd I do?

You did great, but you probably should have had them toss a couple of shaving soap pucks into the box.
You can get soap at the farmer's market, but can you get shaving soap?

Originally Posted by Utopian

You did great, but you probably should have had them toss a couple of shaving soap pucks into the box.
You can get soap at the farmer's market, but can you get shaving soap?

I can buy castille soap from the health food store on the same block... whick I read yesterday works fine. But, the goat milk soap has a nicer creamier lather.
I also read some nice recipes for shaving oil from coconut oil yarrow, and candelum that made me regret buying the brush... but I figure some soap won't hurt my face either.

Originally Posted by aloysious

I got the cheapest Ralf Aust, with the plastic handle; because I read on here it's better than high end Dovos.
I got it from Straight Razor Designs, shave ready with an extra sharpening, with a latigo and felt strop, a 24 mm badger brush, and a big alum block for about $182.
The soap I can get from the farmers market... made from goat milk for $5.

How'd I do?

Good choice on the Ralf Aust. I hope you don't need the Alum block too much!


Mike

Welcome, I actually was on your Island not long ago. Beautiful place. There's plenty of reliable info here to guide you along your way. Aloha.