Thread: Memphis Rookie

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.

Must be something going around, haven't seen so many memphis guys since I started on here now in the last month 2 new members, so welcome, and don't get to cocky these razors have a way of teaching humility! Enjoy the site and fun you ever need a little help let me know I,m not far away. Tc

welcome aboard mate,
plenty to learn from here

Thanks for the welcome, guys! And believe me..no cockiness here. I've been cut enough times while tying to have developed a serious level of respect for razors. It's only a matter of time!

On a side note, I'm guessing you're already aware of Legends Apothecary and Classic Shaves in Collierville, TC? Obviously a barbershop, they also have a shave shop and teach classes on DE and straight shaving, but I haven't had a chance to spend any time there. I think they've been open about four months.

Hi and welcome. Any questions feel free to ask

Ya another place trying to cater to the growing straight craze. I,m not going to knock them, cause I didn't get a shave, shavette shaves with no name blades by a person that I have boots older than wasn't my idea of a straight shave. Not that there is anything wrong with trying. But the hipsters are opening doors for this kind of shop. To spend on products and teach you how to shave with the same products. If you can find an old barber who used to or still does give shaves the likely hood if a better experience would be better. From other places I've had straight shaves and left without getting as good a shave as I get with my own razors. So I,m going to be picky from now on. As to the experience of it, you might give it a whirl, cause your new, and get sone hands on advise, I was already wet shaving for over 40 years so I passed. But if you are looking for some help like I said before, I,m here not far from Collierville,, I,m not a mentor on this site, we don't have any around here, but I,m willing to share my experience,(haven't been in the emergency room yet). Besides I might need to talk to you, retired now and fly fishing was on my list, we have a place up by Bull Shoals, 4 miles from the White river and Gastons Lodge! Tc

I wasn't aware that it's a shavette shave. Too bad. And as to the fly fishing? I can definitely teach you how to do that. I actually live in East Memphis (inside the loop). If you want to learn how to cast, drop by the store on a weekday or we can meet at Shelby Farms. I'm a casting instructor and fishing instructor at one of our two day schools in Mississippi and teach all the tying and fishing classes at our store, so I have all the equipment and won't charge you a dime. Haha.. As the father of a 16 month old, I rarely get to fish. Any excuse to get out of the house and see a body of water is more than welcome. Just let me know. With a place near a river as high quality the White, we've got to get you started so you can see what the fuss is all about!

Amen to that brother! I,ll pm you soon Tc

Welcome to SRP!
Enjoy the site.

Welcome to the forum.