New to straight razors from Chicagoland
Gentlemen: I have been reading many posts on this forum and watching many videos on traditional shaving methods and products. I decided that now was the time to join in the forum fun.
I started shaving about fifty years ago using a Gillete DE razor and Schick single edge injector razor, but later switched to electric razors or cartridge razors as a matter of convenience. I traveled routinely for much of my career, so carrying the implements for a traditional wet shave was not a viable option. Now that I am retired, I have gone back to wet shaving. While shaving used to be a chore, I now look forward to my daily routine.
I inherited a couple of antique straight razors from my uncle. I always wanted to restore them and learn to use them. I started researching information on shaving techniques and razor maintenance. One of the razors is a Shumate spanish point made in St. Louis. Unfortunately, it had a rather bad chip in the toe, so I had to modify the edge profile to remove the chip. The second razor was a Geo Wostenholm square point made in Sheffield. The blade is in excellent condition, but the scales are broken. Until I replace the scales, I have taped the scales. Since the razor will no longer fold, I shave with it Japanese style.
I purchased a full set of Naniwa superstones 1000 ....12000 grit. I also purchased some inexpensive Chinese razors to develop my honing skills without damaging more valuable razors. I have been able to achieve a comfortable shave with the razors I have honed. I have a ruddy complexion (blue eyes), so my skin is rather sensitive. My beard has always grown rapidly such that I have to shave daily. If I do not get a close shave the first time, I sometimes have to shave a second time in the evening.
I have developed enough skill with the straight that I can now shave with the grain everywhere. I can shave against the grain everywhere except my chin. I am definitely right hand dominant and am still trying to develop skill with my left hand. I have some difficulty shaving across the grain; that will get easier when I learn to shave with both hands. Now, I perform a cleanup pass using a DE razor, especially around the chin. I now know why many men sported a mustache and chin hair in the days when straight razors were the only option. Many straight razor advocates still do.
Since I have now developed a basic set of skills using and maintaining a straight razor, I am now at a point where I am looking to purchase my first high-quality modern straight razor. Because I have been impressed with the edge on my Sheffield razor, one of my preferred options is the Boker silver steel which I believe contains Sheffield steel. Currently, SRD is out of stock on all Boker razors....bummer. Although I had never heard of Ralf Aust razors until recently, I have been impressed with the reviews of these handcrafted Solingen steel razors. Eventually, I would like to obtain a Hart Steel razor as well, but I am concerned that my honing skills are not up to the task of a near-wedge at this point in my journey.
My wife has agreed to get me a straight razor for Christmas, so I will be ordering one soon. If any of the gurus on SRP recommend another option, please let me know.
I hear a lot of folks talking about razor acquisition disorder and similar maladies involving hones, strops, brushes, soaps, etc. For better or worse, I am affected by several of these disorders. Somewhere I read that it is not RAD, etc. if you call it a hobby. So I guess wet shaving is my new hobby.
RayClem
