Hello all.

I have been shaving (off and on) with a straight razor for about 30 years. For some reason, probably laziness, I got away from it for a while.

About 5 years ago I came across this unique internet site with all kinds of expert advice on the topic and my interest was rekindled. I managed a few good scores on eBay and a really great find (Wolstenholme IXL with a Spanish point in great shape with original box for $10) at a flea market in Florida and was hooked.

For a while I thought I was going to suffer severe RAD, but now I tend to focus on bringing some of my older razors back to life - nothing like full restorations, but cleaning them up and getting them as shave ready as I am able. I am not a collector so much as a shaver who really enjoys the whole production of shaving with a straight.

I use a DMT 1000 to set bevels, a Norton 4000/8000 in progression and finish with a combination coticule/BBW, Oozuku JNat or a recently acquired Vermio. I use CrOx on balsa and diamond spray on felt to finish some blades before stropping on an old hanging strop I inherited from my father.

Haven’t yet worked up to making my own scales, but that is a goal.

Everything I know, I learned from the generous folks on this site. Thank you.