Hello from the Gulf Coast!!!

Hello, my name is Rob.

I'm new to this whole straight razor life, but I've had some limited experience with safety razors. Honestly, I look at this, as it appears you all do, as a way to relax and enjoy one of life's great things-a morning ritual shave!

I live on the gulf coast, and we have a barbershop here (Mayo's--one of the best shops around) that does hot lather straight razor shaves. It was a soothing experience, one that I've remembered fondly. I want to replicate that experience at home.

So, I'm open to suggestions. And if anyone is in the Mobile Alabama area, could one tell me where to start my experience?

Thanks for allowing me on your forum!

Hey Rob Welcome. There is a lot of good information available for you in the wiki. But my best suggestion is for you to hunt up an SRP member in your area where you could get hands on help.
I'm suggesting you buy a razor that is shave ready from one of those advertised in the classified ads on this site. You should not spend a lot of money on a strop because you will cut it. All of us have done that so don't worry. Of course you'll need some soap and a brush. Use your own judgment here. BUT DO THIS. When you get your strop practice with a butter knife. Learn how to flip that knife without turning your wrist. Sounds easy in till you try to do it with a razor. Have fun Rob. This is a good group of men and they all are very helpful. Good luck.

Welcome, Rob. :)

Welcome Rob!

Welcome. It takes a while to be good at it but the journey never ends. As far as what stuff you actually need, a good razor, a strop, and a brush and soap. Most of us are into trying different stuff and looking for the best things that work well for us. Most have more than one razor, more than one brush, more than one soap. Just stop where you are comfortable. Explore as you like. My US geography is weak, but it seems to me there are shops not that far away from you.

Hi and welcome. Plenty of information here on how to start. Making sure you get a truly shave ready razor is the big must. Finding a local for one on one will speed up learning tremendously. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Aloha Rob, Welcome to the club!

Hey Rob, a great big welcome to you! Enjoy your new shaving experience!