Jumping right in!

After many years of having a beard I became interested in straight razors. I must admit that the only reason that I had grown a beard so many years ago, was do to my hatred of shaving. Sadly no one taught me how to she and I hacked away with disposables. After suffering from constant razor burn, nicks, and ingrown hairs, I gave up and just let it grow. Keeping my self groomed I did shave my neck and cheeks, but still suffered. It wasn't until my resent trip to purchase another over priced pack of disposable replacements did the thought occurr that there must be a better way. After a quick glace around the web I stumbled on to Mr. Abrams' amazingly informative videos. With some research and learning I decided that this was for me.

As the best Christmas present I received a Dovo best quality 5/8 and a strop from S.R.D.
The first time I decided to just stick to the beard and just do my usual shave. The whole process stropping, building later, and preparing my face was like an awakening. Holding that razor up for the first time my eyes were wide with excitement. Once I had finished with my neck and cheeks I couldn't believe how smooth and close the shave was. An hour later I went back in and saw my chin for the first time since I was 17!

Now I won't say this has been an easy venture as I am learning everything from the start how to map my face, and work my skin and blade. Yet with its challenges, comes great rewards. To add to my new hobby I have start acquiring many aids,

1. A couple starter sample sets from A.o.S.
2. Two tubs of cream from Taylor of Bond Street (which I am loving the Cedar)
3. Lather bowl
4. Badger brush
5. A coffee cup warming plate, to keep that great lather hot between passes.
6. A wall mountmagnifying mirror to help see what my hair and blade does. Which I must say helped greatly to see the effects of blade angle.

It is with this great beginning I am already hooked and love this venture. Not to mention that when I tell people about shaving with a straight razor, the look of shock and impressment helps add to the fun.

Welcome. You will enjoy the shaving experience, especially when the ladies want to check out that smooth face.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Evilbeavis

After many years of having a beard I became interested in straight razors. I must admit that the only reason that I had grown a beard so many years ago, was do to my hatred of shaving. Sadly no one taught me how to she and I hacked away with disposables. After suffering from constant razor burn, nicks, and ingrown hairs, I gave up and just let it grow. Keeping my self groomed I did shave my neck and cheeks, but still suffered. It wasn't until my resent trip to purchase another over priced pack of disposable replacements did the thought occurr that there must be a better way. After a quick glace around the web I stumbled on to Mr. Abrams' amazingly informative videos. With some research and learning I decided that this was for me.

As the best Christmas present I received a Dovo best quality 5/8 and a strop from S.R.D.
The first time I decided to just stick to the beard and just do my usual shave. The whole process stropping, building later, and preparing my face was like an awakening. Holding that razor up for the first time my eyes were wide with excitement. Once I had finished with my neck and cheeks I couldn't believe how smooth and close the shave was. An hour later I went back in and saw my chin for the first time since I was 17!

Now I won't say this has been an easy venture as I am learning everything from the start how to map my face, and work my skin and blade. Yet with its challenges, comes great rewards. To add to my new hobby I have start acquiring many aids,

1. A couple starter sample sets from A.o.S.
2. Two tubs of cream from Taylor of Bond Street (which I am loving the Cedar)
3. Lather bowl
4. Badger brush
5. A coffee cup warming plate, to keep that great lather hot between passes.
6. A wall mountmagnifying mirror to help see what my hair and blade does. Which I must say helped greatly to see the effects of blade angle.

It is with this great beginning I am already hooked and love this venture. Not to mention that when I tell people about shaving with a straight razor, the look of shock and impressment helps add to the fun.

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I had my first shave yesterday! An amazing and enjoyable experience. Look forward to the next one

Welcome to SRP!
Would you believe the shaves get even better with more practice?

It looks like you have done your research well and started off with the right equipment. If you have any questions, just ask, we are here to help. If you get into bad problems I'm about an hour from Asheville and always looking for an excuse to visit the Lobster Trap.

Each time I shave it gets better and better. Learning better later building and razor strokes. The only trouble spot I have had so far is getting under the chin as smooth as the rest, but time patience, and perseverance I will learn.

I have the same problem area in the chin. The hair grows almost sideways under there. I've learned to just work it in stages. First pass with the grain second pass across and third against but when in going against and I'm stroking up under the chin I kind of finish the strong by pulling the blade into an across the grain stroke. It works well for me because I find it easier to start a straight stroke farther away rather than trying to start the stroke right at the trouble spot because it's a small area and usually starts snagging. Whatever you do find that works, you'll find that trying to always mimic the same stroke every time you shave will make it easier.once you find what works for you that is. Enjoy your new hobby man and welcome!

Hi Evilbeavis & welcome to SRP. You have the bug now it sounds like. It will only get better from here on. Each shave will be a good one if your razor is shave ready & you did right for buying from SRD. Lynn hones & strops each razor before it goes out since he is part owner. You can also practice stropping with a butter knife or similar to keep from cutting your new strop & also damaging the edge. I got into straight razors & I was hooked for life! Some of us also have a dingle edge or double edge razor for if we are in a hurry, that is the next option but cartridges are out of my life forever! Besides, shaving the old school way is the best & you get the closest, smoothest shave ever if honed & stropped right. Great to have you on board.
Good luck my friend!

Except for the beard part, that was my exact same experience and same path to turning a chore into hobby.
Great intro and welcome to SRP.
I think you are going to like it here. :rock:

Yeah, when I looked around it was clear the best choice was getting the razor/strop combo from SRD. It's great to have a place that cares about providing the best for its customers.

I did start straight razor shaving a very long time ago, but had no ability to maintain my razor over the long haul. I then sported a beard for most of the next twenty years. When I decided that i wanted to be clean shaven I searched the web and found this place. A bit of research and thread reading and I ordered a new shave ready razor and sundry supplies and I was a off again. Shaves have never been better or more interesting, and a new obsession was born. Welcome to the forum. Hopefully if you have any questions you will ask.

Sounds exactly like my experience except I went with a Ralf Aust. I rocked a beard for about 10 years because of razor burn and ingrown hairs from cartridge razors.

Congratulations on your successful start. It only gets better and more addicting. Hopefully you can find a love of shaving now. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome to SRP.

Here is a link to find other SRP dudes in your area. One on one with an experienced SR shaver person is a great way to pick up tips and hints on how to perfect your shave.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

I have made my second razor purchase! I know that eBay is always risky, but after reading hints and tips on what to look for on here. I felt that this was a good purchase. It's a vintage Dovo 41 Inox, the lady says it had been her grandfather's and then her father's. The razor is in great shape and has no signs of excessive wear or damage. The day after I received it, I immediately sent it off to have the S.R.D. treatment. Now I am patiently waiting it's return with a proper hone and Mr. Abrams' close inspection.

You'll love that vintage blade.