Thread: Hi from San Diego

Welcome from SE Washington State,

I spent a month in nearby El Cajon this summer at my best friend's home.

As has been mentioned you don't need to spend a lot of money to get started. Also you will learn faster with a truly shave ready razor as it takes the quality of the edge out of the question.

I'm a firm believer that anyone who is new to using a straight razor should wait at least a year of regular use before even thinking about learning to hone. They and you need to learn how to Properly make Lather, Strop and of course Shave. There's plenty to figure out so leave the honing to last.

If you will PM me I can recommend a highly qualified honer for you. It will make the journey much easier and it isn't expensive.

Again, Welcome to an Older but Better way of shaving. Hang in there it's well worth the journey!

Hi Cal, welcome.

Very kind of you all to respond. Gonna like it here
Good advice all 'round. Will concentrate on getting the right gear and leave the stones for later!

Aloha Carl! Welcome. I had a pad in Coronado in the early 2k's and enjoyed San Diego.

My advice, take it SLOW and enjoy the experiences of learning straight razor shaving. I started with a straight when I was 18 and inherited my grandfather's Solingen, but other than a barber hone for touch-ups, I didn't get into full honing of my blades until recently. There is so much to enjoy in the art of straight razors and wet shaving that there is no need to become an expert overnight. The joy of the art is going slow and becoming a student of the craft over time.

-Zip

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks celestino, I'll be up in Vancouver next week staying downtown. Any good razor shops or good barber shaves you can recommend? Cheers Cal.