Hey, guys!

This site is fantastic and full of killer advise & reviews from some knowledgeable members (even if the advise is often "you'll just have to figure out what works for you"), and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading through the forum. I started wet shaving with a DE a few months ago, beginning with a 51 Super Speed and bought/sold razors until I settled on my two favorites - A 58 Fatboy and a 58 Super Speed Redtip. Curiosity brought me to this site and, after reading a good deal, I went with an unseen and poor man's strop from Larry at whipped dog to try my hand at this. Excellent decision.

I read the forums, had already learned how slowly I'd want to go from the DE's to avoid any major slips, and paid close attention to stropping instructions. Aside from shaking like a leaf before that first shave and a small amount of razor burn the first two times, it's been fantastically smooth sailing! I'll admit I went very slowly, paying super close attention to the blade angle, and spent 2 straight hours afterward making sure my strokes on the strop were as identical as I could get them without putting too much pressure or not touching the entire blade to the leather, but finally got it down! I've stropped between each shave per advice read here and each consecutive shave (today was my 10th) gets better and better.

To think that this all started because I was looking for better DE razorblades to trim my deer hair bass flies (I'm an Orvis Fishing manager and own a small custom fly tying business) is hysterical. You guys are passionate! I just had to try it.

Thanks for your patience with beginners here, the great recommendations, and an introduction to what is now the most relaxing part of my day.


No Longer Lurking,

Dylan


P.S. Of course, I'm not immune to the disease... My second straight should be here by Monday.