New member, hello!

Hi folks,

I switched from cartridge razors to safety razors some time ago, and shaving went from being a chore that I hated to one that I look forward to every morning. The learning curve was interesting; my biggest challenge was too much pressure on my face. Once I figured that out, I was stunned by the smoothness of the shave and how pleasant the act of shaving itself was.

As I read more, I saw that safety razors make a good transition step to straight razors. My first thought was "no way, this is good enough," but as you can imagine, the allure of an even smoother shave drew me in. After doing my research (Lynn's videos especially), I got a Dovo 5/8" from SRD. My first shave resulted in a fair amount of razor burn and no cutting of hair, but this morning was my 4th shave in 4 days, and the smoothness is almost where I was with the safety razor. Burn is still a bit of an issue, but only where my beard ends and it's just plain skin. I had been using a preshave balm, but today I took delivery on a quality preshave oil, so I am hoping for better results tomorrow.

I've started watching honing videos, since I know that will be needed eventually. At $25 plus shipping for honing, a set of stones pretty quickly pay for themselves. My one question about stones is regarding the 12000 Naniwa. In Lynn's video, the stone seems to be mounted on some kind of wooden base, but in the picture to buy on the website, the stone seems to be by itself. Does it come with that wooden base, or is that something that needs to be purchased separately?

Thanks in advance for your replies, and I look forward to learning and discussing shaving and products with all of you!

my understanding is that there has been a upgrade to the stones they sell now and are called specialty stones as apposed to the old ones called super stone. the new ones don't come with a base. oh, and welcome to SRP! ask as many questions as you like, this is the place to be!

Welcome to SRP.....
I'm new myself still and every shave gets better keep at it and good luck!!

You will find pressure is your enemy with straights also ,, as for honing , they don't pay for theirselves as much as you think unless your going to be restoring a bunch ,, I have razors that haven't seen a hone in over a year , and then only a touch up. Tc

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Originally Posted by engine46

If you paid only $25 for some hones, you stole 'em, that or I didn't read the first post right.

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I meant the honing service provided by SRD, not stones. :)

Thanks for the other tips! I did get a strop, and I have been using a brush and quality soap for quite a while, so proper lather and such are not an issue.

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Originally Posted by Moonshae

I meant the honing service provided by SRD, not stones. :)

Thanks for the other tips! I did get a strop, and I have been using a brush and quality soap for quite a while, so proper lather and such are not an issue.

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No problem. Lynn does the honing & sporran plus does an exceptional job from what I've heard by many others. My bad, I didn't read it right. It says honing. I'm well overdue for an eye exam! I already know I need new lenses in my frames because my eyesight has gotten a little worse but just a little.

Preshave items are good, but they are not miracle workers. The good shaves will come with a good edge, technique and plain old beard prep (warm shower). So basically all the fundamentals you were using with safety razors.

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Originally Posted by Mephisto

Preshave items are good, but they are not miracle workers. The good shaves will come with a good edge, technique and plain old beard prep (warm shower). So basically all the fundamentals you were using with safety razors.

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Thanks for the reassurance. That's what I've taken away from much of my reading/watching. I have to say that I am glad I went to safety razors first, because the learning curve is a bit easier...I have the fundamentals down for prep, just need to work on the technique adjustment. It is challenging, yet enjoyable. I don't feel discouraged and I am already more comfortable holding the blade. Having the open blade near my face doesn't concern me, I just focus on what the edge is doing and go from there.

I seem to have entered a period of my life where I am challenging myself in many different areas (dressing well, shaving well, pursuing an advanced degree), and every aspect of it is enjoyable!

Like I said, the other things are personal preference. The old timers didn't use them.....................they didn't have those things then so they did with what they had & it worked for them.

Hi and welcome. Sometimes it's the basics that work best just like a straight basic but can't be beat

Welcome to the Club.....shaving with a straight requires a soap/ cream that is slick and has good cushion. A slick soap helps when putting that blade on your Hollywood face....the blade is easier to get going on your beard..it doesn't get stuck and cut you. CELLA soap is very slick and makes great suds and it's cheap too. As noted before..LIGHT PRESSURE ...just let the blade glide on your skin...the sharp edge will do the rest. But get a tub of Cella...you will thank me later.