Hello from San Francisco, California U.S.A.
Hello everybody at StraightRazorPlace! I began reading many of the posts here about two months ago after making the jump from DE. The advice has been invaluable, so thank you to you all.
I started by purchasing a Dovo stainless model 415 with stainless scales. I struggled greatly, and with varied results. I kept up hope after several near successes. After seeing the advice that I should be a veteran of a minimum of 100 shaves prior to reassessing my decision to get into straight razor shaving (and possibly having my head examined), I found new hope and motivation.
Please note: the motivation mentioned in sentence three of paragraph two led to a sudden increase in straight razor acquisitions....
This evening: Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 at 1930 hours Pacific Daylight Time, saw my First Legitimate Close Shave (FLCS). It did take approximately 35 minutes which seems a bit long, but I enjoyed taking the time for myself.
It was achieved using my newly acquired Hadoson straight (Made in Tokyo). My success was due to a combination of trial and error. Learning the angles of the blade and which part of the edge to apply where (and using the steepest angle possible keeping the spine very close to my skin). I applied the advice given by many here, that every part of the shave counts, notably the application and re-application of lather. If I got to the point where the lather had dried, I took the time to apply a hot, wet towel to the area and clean off the dried soap. Then I would re-apply and shave on.
I also purchased a Thater Silver-Tip brush along with a Phoenix Shaving Designs "Crown King" shaving scuttle which keeps your lather and brush warm as you shave, a real nifty product and great for winter shaving.
I would like to give thanks to Lynn Abrams and Straight Razor Designs for the great customer service and advice given.
I look forward to more great shaves and reading about your experiences with shaving (even if tonight was only a fluke). I finally, I would also like to thank my girlfriend, Kate, for putting up with my obsession, and for being late tonight giving me the time to truly focus on the task at hand.