Thread: New From Georgia

After decades of having a beard, I decided to start shaving -- at least part of my face. I have a mustache that has only been shaved off 3 times in the last 50 years, all 3 due to an oops stroke, so hopefully it will stay. Once I decided to take the beard down, I mowed it with clippers, but that just gets it SFGB close (Smooth for a Grizzly Bear). I refuse to buy those plastic things that they like to call "razors" nowadays, so I tried shaving with a knife (my knives are all kept scary sharp) for a while, which got it closer, but far from BBS, more like 300 grit sandpaper I guess. The other downsides were that I would get some razor/knife burn and it sort of freaks out the little lady to see me "shaving" -- or "a trial run at committing suicide" as she likes to call it. Therefore, I've decided to do it the civilized way and I've purchased a SRD Dovo BQ 6/8 full hollow, as well as a Merkur 34c, both of which should be arriving today, along with a plethora of other civilized items of shaving goodness.

All of you guys, along with numerous YouTubers helped me to decide what stuff to get, so thank you all. I'm sure I'll have some questions and we'll see if a straight razor relaxes the little lady more than the skinning knife did. Lynn, your SR tutorial video is the best out there -- thanks.

It sounds like you are off to a great start. The Merkur will be your backup as you figure out the Dovo.

I definitely like your humor and hope you stick around here!

My in-laws are moving to Georgia this summer so I will be around for meet-ups occasionally some time after that.

Sounds like your well on your way to fun. Your beard sounds like more of a wire brush than normal beard. if so a full hollow grind takes a little more time to get friendly with. If this is what happens don't give up. instead try a little heavier grind blade. 1/4 hollow or near wedge. 6/8 or larger. When i started out i was told i had a old mans beard. very stiff and like wire. a friend sent me a 1/4 hollow sheffield 7/8 and it just mowed the beard down with no trouble. My razor burn also disappeared. Just a thought. Oh and welcome to the Straight Place.

Let's be PC and call it the straight razor place!

Hi and welcome. Sounds like you have done the research and got the equipment sorted so good luck with your shaves and any questions feel free to ask

More importantly you found out that knife really isn't scary sharp ,, what your getting in the mail is sharp, but no need to be scared, just read a lot on the beginners section and go slow. Tc

Originally Posted by Utopian

Let's be PC and call it the straight razor place!

Sorry about that. Did not mean to offend but sometimes my fingers and brain are not connected.

Certainly did not offend me--I was just being a wise-a##.

Welcome. Enjoy your journey ahead of you with the straight. It can be a bear, learning to be bare.

Welcome. You will soon learn that razors and knives are different. Unlike a knife the edge of a straight razor is very delicate. There is a ton of knowledgeable and sharing people here to help when you need it.